Wiper and True is welcoming applications for six placements from anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary, and who is keen to explore working in craft beer.
Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March, the independent brewery is setting out to try to address the widely acknowledged gender imbalance in the beer industry. The work experience scheme will take place this May.
After a successful pilot scheme in 2022, the Bristol-based team are now expanding the programme, offering a wider selection of placements across the business to more individuals.
Wiper and True wants to make this opportunity accessible to everyone, and will pay all placements the real living wage. If necessary, the company will also contribute to travel costs to the brewery.
The team will be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that need to be made to ensure anyone with accessibility needs can enjoy the experience.
“Last year’s work experience pilot scheme was a great success, and we loved welcoming new faces into the brewery for a taster of our industry,” said Alice Howells, head of marketing at Wiper and True.
“Two applicants from the 2022 pilot now work with us permanently, which we’re really proud about. It’s no secret, though, that craft beer remains a heavily male-dominated world, and for many women this makes gaining industry experience and access a challenge for myriad reasons. Within Wiper and True, we also have significantly more employees who identify as men than women or non-binary.
“Our team wants to take small, practical steps towards improving this imbalance. We know this scheme won’t fix all the problems around sexism, stereotypes, and inclusivity in beer, but we hope that it will give a few people the chance to explore an industry they are interested in working in.”
The opportunities
A week-long, business-wide placement
Spend a whole week with the Wiper and True team, getting to grips with each department in the business. From sessions with the marketing team to time with brewing, packaging, sales, taproom, cellar management, and more, you’ll discover every cog required to turn the wheels of this brewery.
A day-long, production-focused placement (brewing and packaging)
You’ll join a team briefing and get into your safety gear (safety boots and glasses, which Wiper and True can provide). The brew team will then guide you through the full brewing process of making a Wiper and True beer, getting you involved as much as possible. You will also be guided through the process of canning beer, including a stint working on the canning line.
Please note that brewing does include working at heights to access some equipment, working in confined spaces, and working in both cold and hot environments. Wiper and True recommend you wear older clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet, and bring a water bottle and snacks — it’s tiring work! If you’d like, some of the Wiper and True team will be around on the day to have lunch with you, or if you’d like some personal time there are plenty of great options for food within walking distance of the brewery.
• If you’re interested in applying to be considered for one of the placements, complete the short form here by 9am on Monday, 27th March. The successful six applicants will be contacted on or before Friday, 31st March.
