Cellar technician
Drinks dispense technician, cellar service engineer, beer quality technician
Cellar technicians install and maintain drinks systems in places like pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants.
Salary range: £15,000 to £30,000
How to become a cellar technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
College
You could do a college course then try to find a trainee job with a drinks company. Courses inlcude:
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
- Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Refrigeration Systems
- Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
More information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a drinks dispense technician advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More information
Work
It may be possible to get into this job by working behind a bar and in a bar cellar.
Once you’re working, your employer may give you the chance to take a cellar management course.
Direct application
You can apply directly to employers and do training while you work.
It could be an advantage if you’ve got experience in mechanical engineering, refrigeration, plumbing or electrical work.
Other routes
You could take the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Cellar Service Installation and Maintenance course, offered by The Brewing, Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers Association.
More information
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British Institute of Innkeeping for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to work on your own
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- have a good level of fitness
- have a full driving licence
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- calculating and ordering parts
- fitting drinks systems into a customer’s premises
- finding and fixing faults
- training bar staff on how to use new equipment
- promoting new products to customers
- setting up temporary bars for special events, like festivals
- keeping records of completed work
Working environment
You could work in a pub or bar or visit sites.
Your working environment may be cramped and you’ll travel often.
Career path and progression
You could become a supervisor, manager, or move into equipment services and sales.