A TAFE NSW brewing graduate is making a splash in the industry, landing his dream job as Head Brewer at Wildflower brewery in Marrickville.

The food and drink manufacturing industry is forecast to grow by almost 4,000 jobs by 2026, and TAFE NSW is helping meet industry demand for workers by offering a Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing).

Brayden Lew studied the TAFE NSW course and has been appointed to the top job at Wildflower.

“My journey in brewing started as a home brewer, where I fell in love with the process and outcome of creating funky and interesting beers,” Mr Lew said.

“It’s a career that requires you to have a great mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. No two days are the same, so the work keeps you engaged and mentally stimulated.”

“I’m incredibly proud to have come full circle with a business I admire, and now be Head Brewer at Wildflower.”

Mr Lew also worked in London and honed his craft with northern hemisphere brewers. He said studying at TAFE NSW helped him develop his practical and theoretical brewing skills, as well as connections to secure work in the industry.

“The brewing industry has become more competitive to get into, but a qualification from TAFE NSW gives you the practical skills and tools you need to help secure a job in this industry. A TAFE qualification also carries weight within the sector and shows employers that you are keen, motivated, and here to succeed,” he said.

“Studying through TAFE NSW not only gave me skills and knowledge, but also introduced me to different breweries and ways of working, which enhanced my understanding of the craft. My course also helped me get my foot in the door with industry and employer connections and helped me get to where I am today.”

“I encourage anyone interested in brewing to consider studying through TAFE NSW because it arms you with the real-world practical skills and experience you need to make a flying start to your new career.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Laboratory and Life Sciences, Jeanette Ramos, said TAFE NSW is helping meet industry demand for more brewers.

“We know the food and beverage industry is forecast to grow by almost 18% by 2026, and TAFE NSW is creating a pipeline of workers through our Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing) course to meet that demand for workers,” Ms Ramos said.

“TAFE NSW is proud to have meaningful connections with industry, and it is pleasing to see our students go on to succeed in the sector.”

“To see Brayden now be promoted to the Head Brewer role at Wildflower is testament to his hard work and reiterates how TAFE NSW provides our students with the practical skills they need to get the job they want.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au.