Brewery worker
Brewery workers brew and package beer.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £13,500 - £25,000
Typical hours (a week): 42 - 44
How to become a brewery worker
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could do an intermediate apprenticeship in food and drink brewing industry skills or lean manufacturing.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start as a production assistant or warehouse worker and take training on the job through your employer. Training could include qualifications offered by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
Direct application
You could apply directly to work in a brewery. You may find it useful to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths and English. Experience in brewing, distilling or food and drinks processing could give you an advantage.
More info
Career tips It will help if you have enthusiasm for and knowledge of brewing and beers.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- thinking and reasoning skills
- knowledge of food production methods
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need a driving licence if your role involves delivering beer.
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- weighing and mixing ingredients
- keeping records of ingredients
- monitoring the temperature and quality of the beer
- washing and cleaning brewing containers and work areas
- sterilising equipment
- labelling and packing products
- transferring beer into kegs, casks, bottles or cans
- loading the beer onto lorries
- at smaller breweries you might deliver to local customers
Working environment
You could work at a brewery. Your working environment may be humid, noisy and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could progress to supervisor. With further study or training, you could move into technical brewing.
