Technical brewer

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.