From Hobby to Career: Occupational Choices in Brewing Education

This study investigates the motivations and occupational aspirations of students enrolled in Swedish Higher Vocational Education programmes for the brewing industry. Drawing on narrative interviews with 24 participants aged 25–66, the research explores how personal interests, career trajectories, and structural conditions intersect in shaping vocational choices. The analysis identifies three dominant motivations for enrolment: (1) seeking new occupational opportunities following unemployment or fragmented work histories, (2) pursuing mid-career transitions prompted by dissatisfaction, burnout, or physical strain, and (3) engaging in brewing as a craft or artistic endeavour motivated by personal interest and creativity. Findings highlight the multiple functions of vocational education, serving not only as a route to employment but also as a platform for career reinvention, entrepreneurial experimentation, and personal fulfilment. The study underscores the interplay between individual agency and structural factors in occupational decision-making and contributes to understanding the role of vocational education in emerging industries.