Technical brewer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a technical brewer your work is likely to include:

• checking the temperature and quality of beer
• keeping detailed records of the brewing process
• sourcing suppliers
• making sure raw materials meet the right standard
• overseeing technical developments
• stock control
• managing the packaging process.

Your role could also involve developing, testing and producing new beers (for example, in response to public demand), and managing other brewery workers.

Working with a large brewery, you could be responsible for just one part of the production process, such as fermentation, packaging or quality control. In a small or micro-brewery, you are more likely to be involved in all stages of the brewing process.

Hours

You would usually work 40 hours a week. However, this work involves regularly checking the brewing process, so you are likely to work a shift system including evenings, weekends and nights.

You would mainly work in the beer production area overseeing the brewing process. This is a noisy industrial environment and you would need to wear protective clothing.

Income

Salaries for technical brewers can be between £15,000 and £25,000 a year. With experience this can rise to between £30,000 and £40,000 or more.

Employees in micro-breweries may earn less.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To start as a trainee brewer you will usually need a degree in a related subject, such as biological science, chemistry, chemical engineering, food science/technology, microbiology or brewing and distilling. Some employers may accept a relevant BTEC HNC/HND. You can search for courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website, and for details of entry requirements you should check with colleges and universities individually.

• Universities and Colleges Admissions Services

Many employers will also look for evidence of your ability to manage a team. Previous experience in a management role, or degree modules in business management may help show your potential in this area.

You may be at an advantage if you also have some experience or knowledge of brewing or distilling. You could contact larger breweries to arrange work experience or to observe their brewing process.

An alternative way into this role may be through a combination of experience as a brewery worker and gaining a Level 2 Award, Certificate and/or Diploma for Proficiency in Brewing Industry Skills or qualifications offered by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). Their awards include Fundamentals of Brewing and Packaging, and a General Certificate in Brewing. The mix of brewery work and IBD awards could provide the springboard to further qualifications and the opportunity to apply for trainee technical brewer posts.

Training and development

Once you have started with a large brewery, you will usually join a structured graduate training scheme, which may involve travelling to different production sites to gain in-depth knowledge of the company and processes.

Whether you work with a large or small brewery, you will usually be encouraged to work towards two professional examinations set by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling:

• the Diploma in Brewing, or Distilling
• the Master Brewer qualification (usually taken after four or more years in the industry).

Some degree courses give you exemption from the Diploma in Brewing – the Institute can give you further details.

You could continue your professional development by studying for a postgraduate qualification, including an MBA in Brewing and Distilling.

Skills and knowledge

To be a technical brewer you should have:

• advanced scientific knowledge, particularly in biochemistry
• a good understanding of chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering
• strong practical skills
• good decision making and problem solving skills
• business and commercial awareness
• management and organisational skills to lead a production team
• strong spoken and written communication skills.

More information

Institute of Brewing and Distilling
33 Clarges Street
London
W1J 7EE
Tel: 020 7499 8144
www.ibd.org.uk

Improve Ltd
Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448
http://www.improve-skills.co.uk/
www.improveltd.co.uk

British Beer and Pub Association
Market Towers
1 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW8 5NQ
Tel: 020 7627 9191
www.beerandpub.com

Opportunities

You will find most job opportunities within larger breweries. Some have production bases across the world, which may give you the chance to work overseas.

Vacancies are advertised in the local press, on graduate recruitment websites and through the IBD Vacancy web page. The British Beer and Pub Association can also provide contact details for many breweries.

• Institute of Brewing and Distilling (job vacancy page)

With experience you could progress to senior brewer or technical director, although you may need to change employer to further your career. Alternatively, you could become self-employed and set up your own micro-brewery producing speciality beers. The Society of Independent Brewers website has more information on this area of the industry.

• Society of Independent Brewers

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