
Technical brewers are in charge of the whole process of beer production and packaging.
Salary range: £18,000 to £45,000

How to become a technical brewer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses or a graduate training scheme

University
You could do a degree in a related subject, like:
- chemical engineering
- food science or food technology
- microbiology
- chemistry
You could continue your professional development by studying for a postgraduate qualification, like a master’s in brewing and distilling or biochemical engineering.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a brewer higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More information

Direct application
You’ll usually need experience in a management role and some knowledge or experience in brewing and distilling to apply for jobs directly.
Other routes
You could take professional qualifications in brewing. These are offered by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, either online or at a training centre.
If you have a degree, you could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with one of the larger brewing companies.
More information
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or the British Beer and Pub Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about working in the brewing industry from Brewlab and the British Beer and Pub Association.

What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to read English
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- be over 18 years of age

What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks could include:
- checking brewing conditions
- maintaining quality
- keeping detailed records working with suppliers
- overseeing technical developments
- stock control
- managing the packaging process
Working environment
You could work at a brewery.
Your working environment may be noisy and humid.
You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression
With experience you could progress to senior brewer or technical director.
You could become self-employed and set up your own micro-brewery.