Beer Brewing Industry
Jobs overview
Beer brewing is a large industry, employing thousands of people and playing an important part in the country's economy.
As beer is made from malted barley, hops, maize and sugar, there is a close link with the agricultural sector which supplies these products.
What do people do in these jobs?
To malt the grain, it is first soaked in water until it has the proper moisture content for sprouting. ?When sufficient sprouting has occurred, kilning stops the growth.
Continues the beer-making process.
The seasoned barley malt is ground and maize is also milled.
The ground barley malt and maize are and mixed with water in mashing tanks.
The protein-rich grains are then strained off, leaving a clear amber liquid called wort.
The wort flows into brew kettles where it is blended vigorously with hops.
Once brewing is completed, the hopped wort is cooled for the addition of fresh yeast.
Experts in laboratories propagate these pure culture systems.
Fermentation then takes place until the beer has reached the right level of alcohol and sugar.
Once the beer reaches maturity, it is then ready for packaging and distribution.
What kinds of people are suitable for these careers?
Quality Controllers?
Follow all stages through to the distribution of the beer.
Chemical and microbiological analyses ensure that high standards are maintained during production.
Qualifications: - A degree or diploma in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or Packaging.
Packaging?
The beer is bottled, canned, pasteurised, checked, labelled, packed, palletised and stored.
Qualifications: - A degree or diploma in Industrial Engineering. ?Mechanically minded people with a B.Sc. ?degree may also be successful in this occupation.
Engineering
Engineers are responsible for maintaining equipment and ensuring that there are no breakdowns.
Qualifications: - A degree or diploma in Engineering.
Operations
This department uses expensive vehicles and highly specialised systems to distribute vast amounts of beer.
Qualifications: - No specific diploma or degree, but a B.Com? (Economics / Transport Economics?) ?degree is a suitable qualification.
Brewing Consultants
Qualifications: - Extensive in-company experience.
Quality Assurance
Qualifications: - B.Sc. ?degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry, but employers prefer candidates with a B.Sc. (Honours?) ?degree.
Biochemists
Qualifications: - BSc. ?degree in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry or Microbiology.
Process Innovation
Qualifications: - A brewing background.
Microbiologists?
Qualifications: - A BSc. ?degree in Microbiology.
Systems
?Qualifications: - A degree or diploma in Computer Science or Engineering.
Marketing?
Qualifications: - B.Com. ?or similar diploma.
Planning?
Qualifications: - B.Com. ?or similar diploma.
