Eddie Doyle – Brewer & Packager at Full Circle Brew Co

“This apprenticeship has provided me with the technical expertise, industry knowledge, and practical experience needed to succeed in brewing”

Why an apprenticeship?

I first joined Full Circle Brew Co in late 2021, working in the taproom, pouring pints and developing a real enthusiasm for craft beer. I loved being part of the industry, surrounded by passionate people and high-quality beer, but I soon realised I wanted to take my career further.

Although I enjoyed working in the taproom as a Supervisor, I found myself craving a more hands-on role—one that would allow me to develop technical brewing skills while still nurturing my creativity. I was drawn to the Level 4 Brewing apprenticeship as it offered a unique blend of science, practical skills, and industry knowledge, enabling me to train for a skilled career while remaining within an industry I loved.

Brewing is a complex and highly specialised field, and this apprenticeship provided the structured learning I needed to build my knowledge and confidence. The opportunity to gain a formal qualification, whilst learning directly from experienced professionals and applying my skills in a real working environment, was invaluable. This apprenticeship has been the ideal way to develop my technical expertise, broaden my understanding of brewing, and secure my future in the industry.

Benefitting my business

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have progressed from working front-of-house in the taproom to a Brewer & Packager, where I now play a key role in producing, preparing, and packaging beer for sale. The majority of my work is focused on the packaging end of operations, ensuring that our beer is processed efficiently and maintains the highest quality standards.

The practical experience I have gained during my apprenticeship has been invaluable. The training has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the brewing process, from recipe design and water treatment to fermentation, filtration, and packaging principles. This has helped me establish myself as a knowledgeable and confident team member, able to contribute to troubleshooting, planning, and day-to-day operations within the brewery.

One of the key benefits of the apprenticeship has been the emphasis on teamwork and communication. The brewing environment can be fast-paced and demanding, with hazardous materials and complex machinery. Being able to work effectively as part of a team is essential, and my apprenticeship has helped me refine these skills, ensuring that I can operate safely and efficiently within the brewery.

The brewing industry is notoriously difficult to break into, as it is highly skills-based and competitive. With the current economic and political climate making the industry more fragile than ever, this apprenticeship has been an invaluable stepping stone. It has allowed me to develop the technical expertise and professional experience required to progress in the sector, while also ensuring that I am an asset to my current employer.

Unlike many apprenticeships, which are often seen as a stepping stone to the next job, I feel incredibly lucky that my training has enabled me to grow within my current role, and I have no desire to move on. I love my job at Full Circle Brew Co and am grateful that I can continue developing my skills while working for a business that I am proud to be part of.

The HIT Training Difference

The Level 4 Brewing apprenticeship has been a comprehensive and enriching experience, covering every aspect of brewing, from beer history and business operations to recipe development, fermentation, maturation, and packaging.

One of the highlights of the course has been the workshops at Nottingham University, where apprentices come together to develop their skills and knowledge through a structured programme of practical and theoretical learning. These sessions have been an excellent way to apply my learning, network with like-minded professionals, and gain insight into the wider brewing industry.

The support I have received throughout my apprenticeship has been outstanding, and my trainer, Ben Knowlson, has played a key role in my success. His knowledge, encouragement, and ability to keep me motivated have made a real difference to my learning experience.

Having previously started an apprenticeship in landscaping five years ago, I understand how crucial it is to have the right support and guidance. Unfortunately, my previous experience was disappointing due to a lack of structure and mentorship, which ultimately led to me being unable to complete the course. However, my experience with HIT Training has been completely different. The support and structure provided have made all the difference, ensuring that I have been able to develop my skills, gain confidence, and truly thrive in my role.

This apprenticeship has transformed my career and my confidence. It has allowed me to take my passion for brewing and turn it into a highly skilled profession, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a career in the brewing industry.

Looking to the future, I see myself continuing to grow and develop within my current role, building on the knowledge and skills I have gained through my apprenticeship. While I do hope to explore brewing opportunities in different cities or countries in the future, for now, I am incredibly happy at Full Circle Brew Co. The business is young, dynamic, and expanding, and I am excited to be part of its journey.

This apprenticeship has provided me with the technical expertise, industry knowledge, and practical experience needed to succeed in brewing, and I am proud to have taken this step towards securing my future in the industry.