A Day In The Life Of A Brewery Worker

Working in a beer brewery is a unique and rewarding career path that requires a combination of practical skills, academic knowledge, and a passion for beer. The day-to-day tasks in a brewery vary depending on the size of the operation and the specific role, but all positions play a crucial part in the art of brewing great beer. From brewers and engineers to sales representatives and taproom staff, each role contributes to the complex process of crafting and selling beer.

Whether you're interested in the creative aspects of brewing new beer varieties or the business side of managing a successful brewery, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a job in this competitive industry. Gaining practical experience through home brewing or internships, networking with industry professionals, and developing a strong resume that showcases your relevant skills and qualifications are all essential strategies.

Additionally, understanding the hiring processes and specific requirements for different roles within a brewery will help you tailor your job search and improve your chances of finding the right fit for your interests and career goals.

Learn the brewing process

The brewing process can be broken down into several steps, each of which is crucial to the final product. Here is a detailed overview of each step:

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Before you begin brewing, it is imperative to thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment that will come into contact with the beer. This step cannot be overemphasized, as proper sanitation is crucial to ensuring the quality and safety of the final product. Use an unscented mild detergent for cleaning, followed by a sanitizing solution approved for food use, such as Five Star Star-San.

Milling

Milling involves crushing the outer layer of the grain (usually malted barley) while breaking up the inner layer. This step is crucial as it allows the mashing liquor to access the entire grain. The key is to crush the grains enough to expose the starchy center without damaging the grain hulls.

Mashing

Mashing is the process of combining the milled grain (grist) with hot water (liquor) and heating it to temperatures between 100°F and 170°F. This process activates the natural enzymes in the malt, converting starches into fermentable sugars. The temperature and duration of mashing can vary depending on the desired beer style, as different enzymes are activated at different temperatures.

Lautering

Lautering is the process of separating the mash into two parts: the residual grain and the sugary clear liquid called wort. The wort gives the beer its fundamental flavors, including those of the grains and hops. Lautering typically consists of three steps: mash out, recirculation, and sparging. During sparging, heated water is poured over the grain to extract as much of the fermentable sugars as possible.

Boiling

After separating the wort, it is brought to a prolonged boil. This step sterilizes the wort and halts enzyme activity. Hops are also added during the boil, with the timing of their addition affecting the beer's bitterness, flavor, and aroma. The length of the boil contributes to the bitterness of the beer, and the boiled wort is then quickly cooled to prevent oxidation and the formation of undesirable flavors.

Fermentation

Fermentation is when the yeast is added to the wort and begins to consume the sugars, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. This process can vary in duration, with ales typically taking a few days and lagers requiring months. During fermentation, the yeast converts sugars into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in an ale or lager depending on the yeast type.

Conditioning

During conditioning, the beer matures and smooths out, with by-products of fermentation diminishing. Dry hopping can be done during this stage to add aroma, and other techniques such as barrel aging can be used to introduce complexity. Conditioning can last from one to several weeks, and brewers may choose to filter out any remaining yeast or particles before storing the beer in bright tanks.

Packaging and Carbonation

After fermentation, the beer is packaged into bottles, cans, or kegs. Carbonation can be achieved naturally or by force carbonation, which involves adding CO2 under high pressure. Most breweries use force carbonation for faster results and greater clarity.

Develop specific skills

To work in a beer brewery, you will need to develop a set of specific skills that will help you advance in your career and qualify for future opportunities. Here are some key skills to focus on:

Customer Service Skills

If you are working in a customer-facing role, such as a bartender or server, strong customer service skills are essential. You should be able to interact with customers, answer their questions, and make recommendations. This can leave a positive impression on customers and enhance their overall experience.

Problem-Solving Skills

During the brewing process, you may encounter various challenges and equipment malfunctions. Problem-solving skills will enable you to tackle these issues effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and rescue batches that might be at risk.

Communication Skills

Working in a brewery involves constant collaboration with a team. Effective communication skills will help you navigate team dynamics, perform your job functions well, and foster a positive work environment.

Technical Skills

A solid understanding of the brewing process and technical skills related to brewing are highly valued. This includes knowledge of water, malt, hops, and yeast, as well as experience with different equipment and processes. Consider taking courses or obtaining certifications related to brewing to enhance your technical skills.

Practical Skills

Brewery work often involves hands-on tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and physical labour. Being comfortable with these practical aspects of the job and having a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality is crucial for success in a brewery environment.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Brewery jobs often require individuals to be versatile and adaptable. You may be asked to perform a variety of tasks beyond your specific role, so being flexible and willing to take on new challenges is important. This also includes being open to learning new skills and adapting to changing circumstances.

Developing these skills will not only help you secure a job in a beer brewery but also enable you to excel in your role and advance your career in the industry.

Gain experience

Gaining experience is crucial if you want to boost your resume and qualify for more advanced opportunities in the beer brewery industry. Here are some ways to gain experience and increase your chances of landing a job in this field:

Learn the Brewing Process

Understanding the brewing process is essential, even if you don't aspire to be a brewer. Whether you're in customer service, sales, marketing, or management, being able to explain the brewing process to customers and clients is advantageous. Familiarize yourself with the key ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. Consider creating your own beer varieties to grasp how different equipment components work and how to brew, ferment, and bottle beer correctly. Experimenting with different beer types and flavors can also help you develop a passion and skill for the process.

Network and Build Connections

Networking with people in the beer industry is an excellent way to find out about job opportunities and learn from experienced professionals. Attend beer fairs and events to meet local brewers and get involved in the community. If you're interested in working at a craft brewery or microbrewery, focus on making connections in your local area. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and express your interest in brewing. Ask about potential job openings and be open to learning from industry experts.

Gain Work Experience in a Brewery

Consider reaching out to microbrewery owners and expressing your enthusiasm for the field. They are often a friendly bunch and may be willing to give you a tour of their brewery or even offer you the opportunity to gain some hands-on work experience. Contact them via phone or email, and don't be discouraged if they're not hiring at the moment. A few days of work experience will give you valuable insights into the daily operations of a brewery and help you determine if a brewing career is right for you.

Start with an Entry-Level Position

If you're just starting out, consider applying for entry-level positions within a brewery. These roles can provide valuable experience and help you build a network in the industry. Positions such as packaging/cellarman, bartender, or tasting room staff can be great ways to get your foot in the door. These roles often involve a lot of cleaning and physical work, but they offer a chance to learn the ropes and gain a deeper understanding of the brewing process.

Develop Transferable Skills

In addition to brewing knowledge, focus on developing transferable skills that are valuable in the brewery industry. Customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are highly sought-after by employers. If you have experience in manual labor, basic scientific training, or even skills like welding, plumbing, or electrical work, be sure to highlight them on your resume. These skills can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your versatility.

Choose your niche

Choosing your niche is about finding the right role for you in a brewery. It is important to understand the different roles available and what they involve.

Firstly, you could be a brewer. This role involves a lot of physical work and cleaning, as well as milling grain and performing basic maintenance on equipment. It is a practical role that requires rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the day-to-day running of the brewery.

Alternatively, you could work in engineering, microbiology, chemistry, or management. These roles are more specialised and often require specific qualifications and experience. For example, a quality assurance or quality control role in a brewery often requires a science background and an understanding of sanitary processes.

You could also work in sales and marketing, promoting the beer brand and developing brand messaging and stories. This role might suit someone with more creative interests.

Finally, you could work in customer service, interacting with customers in the taproom and sharing your knowledge of the brewing process. This role is vital for creating a positive image of the brewery and its beers.

It is important to research and understand the different roles available in a brewery to find the best fit for your skills, interests, and career goals. Each role plays a vital part in the operations of the brewery and contributes to the art of brewing great beer.

Get qualified

If you want to work in a beer brewery, you'll need to get qualified. Qualifications will help you stand out from the crowd and show employers that you're serious about a career in brewing. But what qualifications do you need?

The good news is that you don't necessarily need a degree to work in a brewery. In fact, many brewers come from a home-brewing background and have turned their hobby into a career. However, if you want to work for a large international brewing company, you may need a degree in brewing or a related field, such as science. There are several universities in the UK that offer brewing degrees, including Herriot-Watt University and the University of Nottingham.

If you're not interested in working for a large company, there are still plenty of qualifications that can help you get a job in a microbrewery. The General Certificate in Brewing (GCB) is a great place to start. This qualification is recognised internationally and will give you a solid understanding of the commercial brewing sector. The exam is multiple-choice, but don't be fooled – the pass rate is only about 50%. So if you're not confident in your exam-taking abilities, you may want to consider some additional tuition.

Another option is the Practical Commercial Brewing Course. This course is more intensive than the GCB and lasts for 7-8 days. It covers the same syllabus as the GCB but also includes visits to microbreweries and a day on recipe development. This course is a great choice if you're interested in crafting your own award-winning beers.

Brewing apprenticeships are also an option, although there are currently very few of these available. Apprenticeships typically last for 12-18 months and will give you on-the-job training. However, the quality of training can vary, and these qualifications may not be recognised by the larger brewing companies.

If you're already working in a brewery, you might want to consider the Diploma in Brewing. This qualification is designed for those who want to advance their careers and is typically pursued by head brewers or lead brewers. It requires a significant amount of study time – each of the three modules takes 120 hours to complete.

In addition to formal qualifications, there are also some transferable skills that can be extremely valuable in the brewing industry. These include plumbing, welding, electrical knowledge, and mechanics. So if you have any of these skills, be sure to highlight them on your resume!

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of passion and enthusiasm for the craft. Working in a brewery can be monotonous, physically demanding, and sometimes dangerous. Employers are looking for people who are genuinely interested in beer and willing to work hard, even in challenging conditions. So if you can demonstrate your passion for brewing and your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, you'll be well on your way to landing that dream job in a beer brewery.

Frequently asked questions