Workers can take advantage of Australia’s love of craft beer

They say find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. Well if you love beer, there is a way to take advantage of a career working with cold ones.

They say find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Well if you love beer, how about a career in brewing?

Australia’s craft beer sector is flourishing, with growth expected to continue as drinking habits change.

The 2018 Australian Craft Beer Survey by Beer Cartel reveals on average, five out of every ten beers purchased are previously-untried beers and 85 per cent of craft beer drinkers say they are buying more Australian brands and fewer international brands.

Meanwhile, an IBIS World report forecasts 7.9 per cent annualised revenue growth for Australia’s craft beer production industry in the 10 years to 2024.

“This represents an outperformance relative to the economy, with GDP forecast to grow at an annualised 2.7 per cent over the same period,” the report reads.

The industry employs more than 2400 people.

Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis, founders of Two Birds Brewing. Picture: Supplied

Danielle Allen, co-founder of Two Birds Brewing, says she hires people who are open-minded and ready to get their hands dirty.

“We look for the right attitude and we look for people that want to join the family,” she says. “We are still a relatively small business so need people that are flexible and open-minded and get in there and do not necessarily expect to do every day what they are employed to do.”

She recommends finding a brewing course - in person or online - and connecting with a local brewery to gain some experience and understanding of the role.

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Allen and co-founder Jayne Lewis quit their jobs to set up Australia’s first female-owned brewing company eight years ago.

Today, Two Birds employs 20 full-time staff across brewing, logistics, accounting, sales, and venue and commercial management.

Lewis, who heads the brewing side of the business, has a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Winemaking, and a Diploma in Brewing.

The craft beer sector is flourishing. Picture: iStock

Allen, who handles the business side, has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in marketing and public relations, as well as experience in product development in the groceries sector.

Allen says they stay in their corner when it comes to their contribution to the business but she has learnt a lot about brewing from her business partner.

She says there are a lot more women in the brewing industry now than when they began as the only women in the room.

“We were absolutely aware we were a minority but it wasn’t a focus – we had a clear vision to make great beers and it was at the forefront of everything we did,” she says.

“We had a place in the industry equal to what the guys did. We didn’t dwell on it or see it as a negative or positive.”

Allen and Lewis will be taking part in Australia’s first drinks festival with an all-female line up.

Cellarmasters and BWS’ Meet the Makers: Women in Beer, Wine and Spirits will be held March 8 and 9 at Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, NSW.

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