A PLACE FOR EVERYONE IN BREWING

Team BBF is on the hunt for 3 BREWER APPRENTICES who will learn to brew from the ground up in our new sustainably focussed site in BS3.

As a business, we are passionate about tackling youth unemployment in the city and want to see greater representation in the brewing sector. That’s why we are PRIORITISNG applicants aged 18-25 years old, WELCOMING diverse candidates and ENCOURAGING individuals from all cultures and communities to apply.

But so many people will never have considered a career in brewing. That’s why we pulled Briar to one side for the intel. Not only is she the most recent Brewer to join our team, she is also currently holding the torch for women on the BBF Brewery floor. 

Come on then Briar, kick us off by telling us how you got into brewing? 
I was studying a science degree back in New Zealand, and not really enjoying it. I loved the chemistry and the biology aspects of the degree, but I was two years in, and the job prospects weren't filling me with much joy.

At the same time, I was working behind the bar for a microbrewery in Nelson and totally fell for craft beer. The brewery was owned by a female master brewer, Tracy Banner, which was really cool. So, when a packaging role came up, I decided to take a little study gap, which has now lasted five years.

How did you move from packaging to brewing? 
I worked in packaging for about 6 or 7 months but I was pretty persistent about the fact that I wanted to learn to brew. Eventually they moved me into cellar work (kegging, racking, cleaning, canning etc) and then I was given the opportunity to shadow other brewers, making notes and learning on the job. Once I knew enough, the roles flipped, with me leading on the tasks and the other brewer shadowing me. Tracy, my boss, was great. She gave me print outs from the Chartered Insititue of Brewers and Distillers course to learn and we would discuss the key points each week until I completed every section.

The chemistry and the biology came in handy after all then?
Yeah, definitely, but then it is also so different from that as well. At times it can be really creative, sometimes following a process, and other times, you feel like you are constantly problem solving. Oh, and you need to be all over your time management. I remember in my first two weeks being scared to open a valve. Your brain is racing with ‘Should I do it now? Are you sure? A lot could go wrong.’ But of course it was fine. 

Fast forward to now, and you have plans to use these skills to implement new systems, sensory analysis of the beers being one of them. What is that?
That means we try the beers every week looking out for any interesting character changes in appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel etc. Doing this, we can track a beer all the way from the raw materials to the finished product ensuring that every BBF beer is consistently world-class. When designing new beers, you may need to tweak the recipe to ensure the finished product not only matches the brief, but is something you'll actually want to drink! You are constantly developing. It’s what I love about brewing.

Its worth pointing out here that we’ve just canned and kegged FERNRIDE which is a PURE O.G NZ IPA you created. 
Oh yeah. It’s a nod to an Australian IPA that I really, really enjoyed so I kind of used that as an influence, but then put my own spin on it using New Zealand hops.

Editor’s note: Fernride is a stellar pint. Motueka and Wah-iti bring the kiwi base with a lime citrus and stone fruit overtone. It’s built on a smooth and silky malt base with a heavy oat addition that brings balance to the deep citrus hop energy. Head into a BBF venue or hit the BBF Shop to try for yourself.

You're clearly an awesome woman, trained by a legendary woman. In your opinion, what is it like working in traditionally male-dominated industry? 
Yeah, I guess it was daunting at first, but with the right guidance and a great team, that becomes easier and you kind of build your confidence up. I've been really lucky in that my first two bosses were female master brewers. Tracy, who was hugely influential, and then Jayne Lewis, who founded Australia's first female-owned brewing company, Two Birds Brewing. Janye taught me heaps. Looking back, I wasn't that confident when I joined Jayne’s team but with her support, I’m now super confident, probably too confident?

Editor’s note: We disagree! We love that Briar holds her own on the brewery floor.

So, what would you say to a young person considering whether or not to apply for our Brewer Apprenticeship role? 
If you are interested, just do it. You are never going to regret the confidence that you will gain. And if anyone has put doubt in your mind that the industry is not for you, prove them wrong. Brewing is for everyone. We want greater diversity. The industry 100% needs it. The doors are open.

And if not for that, then do it because it is so rewarding when you see someone taste a beer you helped to make, and you are like, wow, I was part of this.

Finally, why join Bristol Beer Factory? 
It's really nice to work for a company that wants to do good and give back to the community. I think that's pretty rare for a business to give at the level that we are. And the team, well, they are all really nice. There's good banter, great beer and, nice vibes, but it would be good if there were a few more girls on the Brewery floor. 

Has this made you thirsty to know more about our Brewer Apprentice roles? 
•    3 positions
•    40 hrs per week 
•    18-20 months 
•    £18,000 per annum 
•    Level 4 Brewing qualification delivered by @hit_apprenticeships and the International Centre for Brewing Science at Nottingham University

We are PRIORITISING applicants aged 18-25 years old and welcoming diverse candidates from all cultures and communities to apply.

Head to the Jobs Page to find out more!