About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Brewer apprenticeship develops the practical and scientific skills to make beer, from ingredient intake through mashing and fermentation to conditioning and packaging. Apprentices learn brewing science, quality control and the safe operation of brewing plant in breweries of any size. It is a Level 4 programme that can lead to a Senior Brewer role.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Brewing science including malting, mashing, fermentation and conditioning
Yeast handling and basic brewing microbiology
Quality and sensory checks throughout the brewing process
Safe operation and cleaning of brewing plant and equipment
Packaging, cask and keg processes for finished beer
Food safety and regulatory requirements in beer production
Recipe and ingredient knowledge across beer styles
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out brewing steps from mash through to packaging
Monitor fermentation and record process readings
Run sensory and analytical quality checks on beer
Operate cleaning and hygiene processes on brewing plant
Weigh and prepare malt, hops and other ingredients
Complete production records and batch documentation
Identify and report faults or quality issues to the team
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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