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Technical Brewer

Do you want to become a Technical Brewer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Technical brewers are responsible for the production of beer. They:

• manage the raw materials that are used to brew beer - hops, malt, yeast and water
• make sure that the brewery plant and equipment runs smoothly
• manage a team of operators and technicians
• make regular checks on temperatures
• test samples
• make sure that the quality of the beer is maintained
• design, test and produce new beers
• introduce and test new methods of brewing
• keep detailed records.

Technical brewers in large breweries tend to specialise at any one time in one stage of the brewing process. In smaller breweries, they are likely to be responsible for some or all stages.

Brewers usually work shifts. Production in large brewing companies is automated. Many brewers work in control rooms that are away from the noisy, hot and wet conditions of the production area. Brewers in small breweries spend much of their time in the production area. The work can be physically demanding.

Salaries range from at least £23,000 a year for a newly qualified brewer to over £75,000 a year for some production directors.

A technical brewer should:

• be committed to brewing as a business
• have strong scientific ability, particularly in biology and chemistry
• have an understanding of engineering and machinery
• be able to make decisions
• have the ability to solve problems
• be attentive to detail.

There are around 400 technical brewers in the UK. Most of them work for large and multinational breweries. A small number work in microbreweries.

Most brewers have a degree in a science subject. There are two first degree courses that specialise in brewing. Some brewers enter with a postgraduate qualification in brewing. There is no upper age limit for entry to this work.

All trainee brewers are expected to achieve the professional qualifications of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

In a large brewery they may be promoted to become departmental managers, then technical directors or senior brewers. Some experienced brewers set up their own microbrewery.

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