Microbrewer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• specialist training courses
• setting up your own business

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a Brewer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to learn the skills and knowledge needed in this career.

This apprenticeship takes around one and a half years to complete.

After finishing the apprenticeship, you would need to build up your experience of working in the industry before moving into microbrewing.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You could take professional qualifications like those offered by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling . You can also train with private training companies who offer specialist courses in brewing.

You could set up your own microbrewery if you have the right skills, knowledge and experience. You can get advice on setting up a new business from GOV.UK and Brew School .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work on your own
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language

What you'll do:

Microbrewers produce and market their own alcoholic drinks like beers, ciders and gins.

As a microbrewer, you'll:

• research and create your own drinks recipes
• manage stock and order raw ingredients from suppliers
• set up and monitor beer or spirits production
• bottle, label and pack finished products
• clean and maintain equipment
• promote your drinks to wholesalers, local markets, beer festivals and on social media
• take customer orders and arrange deliveries

Location : You could work at a brewery, distillery or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be humid and physically active.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is in your own business

Career Path:

You could increase production volume and become a bigger brewery, or work for a larger brewery company as a master brewer. You could also become a consultant, giving advice to others on setting up in the craft drinks trade.

You could run brewing or distilling workshops for people new to microbrewing or for people who do it as a hobby.