Technical brewers manage the process of making beer within a brewery and develop new recipes and products. They may be responsible for one or more of the stages in the process.

The Work

You could be:

• supervising the buying of raw materials such as cereals, yeast and hops, making sure they are of suitable quality
• using your knowledge of chemistry, biology and microbiology to supervise and check the production process, including fermentation
• taking samples at various stages of production to test for quality and strength, and making adjustments if required
• specialising in a particular brewing stage such as filtration, in large breweries
• in smaller or microbreweries, taking responsibility for several stages, right through to packaging and distribution
• developing new recipes for beer
• checking the equipment and machinery and ensuring it is maintained and safe
• arranging suitable packaging and storage
• organising staff and giving instructions and keeping records of work.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salaries for technical brewers are in the range £19,000 to £24,000 a year. Income can be increased through shift allowances and bonuses. With experience you could earn around £25,000 to £35,000 a year. As head brewer in a large brewery you could earn £45,000 a year or more. Salaries can vary depending on the size of the brewery.

Conditions

• You would work mostly in the production area of a brewery which may sometimes be noisy, warm and smelling of yeast.
• You might also spend some time in an office or a laboratory.
• Your working hours may vary with the size of the brewery but you would probably work shifts including evenings and weekends.
• You may have to wear protective clothing such as overalls, a face mask or ear protectors.
• There may be bending, lifting and carrying involved, so you must be fit enough to do a physical job.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Food and Drink Technologies (SCQF Level 6)
• Health and Food Technology
• Scientific Technologies (SCQF Level 6)
• SfW Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry
• SfW Laboratory Science

Getting In

• Many entrants have a degree (SCQF Level 9-10) in a subject such as: brewing and distilling, biological sciences, chemistry, biotechnology, food technology or chemical engineering.
• Heriot-Watt University runs a degree (SCQF Level 10) in Brewing and Distilling. For entry you need 5 Highers including Maths, and Biology or Chemistry plus National 5 English. See university website for widening access entry requirements.
• You may get a job with a degree in a science such as chemistry, food science or microbiology. For entry you need 4-5 Highers usually including Chemistry and another science subject, with English at National 5.
• If you have a suitable science degree, you can take a postgraduate courses (SCQF Level 11) in Brewing and Distilling or Brewing and Distilling Entrepreneurship at Heriot-Watt University. These are available full time or part time.

You could work for a large, nationally known firm, or for one of the increasing number of small specialist breweries – even for a microbrewery (small craft brewery producing limited quantities of cask beer).

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

10202

2.3 %

RISE

2029

10441

  United Kingdom

2024

125531

3.3 %

RISE

2029

129675

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What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• an enquiring mind
• an interest in and aptitude for science
• a practical and methodical approach to your work
• good IT skills
• a good eye for detail
• strong leadership skills
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• good problem solving skills.

You need to be:

• enthusiastic about the brewing industry
• business minded
• able to organise processes and staff
• able to take responsibility and make decisions.

Training

• Training is on the job and also by further study.
• The IBD runs several courses including the: Foundation in Brewing, General Certificate in Brewing, Diploma in Brewing and the Master Brewer qualification.
• Heriot-Watt University's degree and MSc courses allow exemption from the taking the IBD Diploma exams in Brewing or Distilling, allowing you to undertake the Master Brewer qualification.
• A number of postgraduate qualifications are also available.

Getting On

• With experience and ability, you may move on to become head brewer or technical director, leading a team of specialist staff.
• You might move from a small brewing company to a larger one.
• You may be able to move into related work such as research and development, quality control, distribution, engineering, sales and marketing or personnel.
• You may be able to work abroad.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.