Matilda Harvey is an 18-year-old brewing apprentice at South Australia’s award-winning brewery Prancing Pony. Under the guidance of Founder and Head Brewer Frank Samson and CEO Corinna Steeb, Harvey is beginning her brewing journey. No stranger to hard work, she shares how she is embracing the learning process and tackling the challenges of entering a male dominated industry.
Harvey first joined Prancing Pony at 16, choosing to do her high school work experience in the brewery, and later landed a part-time job in the kitchen.
“It was the thought of following a process and experimenting with ingredients that first opened my eyes to the potential of brewing. I did winemaking at school which inspired me to do my work experience at a brewery. From there I was in the kitchen, and I loved following the recipes and coming up with new ideas,” she said.
In November 2024, following her graduation, Harvey moved across to the brewing team to begin her traineeship with Samson in February and has recently started studying brewing at TAFE.
“I had realised that brewing isn’t that dissimilar from working in the kitchen, I just liked the brewing process more. I felt like it was more me.”
Belonging in the room
As a young woman entering the industry, Harvey said she has felt welcomed with open arms but faced her own challenges with confidence.
“I think it’s such a welcoming industry to come into. While I haven’t had too many experiences, from what I can see, people have your back. I’ve had the chance to go to some meetings and classes with Frank and there are a lot of men. It’s been a bit intimidating because I am pretty young, but then it’s always so good to see a few women around. If I hadn’t seen them, it would have been a lot more overwhelming,” she said.
But with the guidance of her Prancing Pony team, Harvey said she is beginning to build her confidence through finding her place within the brewing community.
“I’m starting to feel like I belong in the room. At times walking into a room full of brewers talking about all the things they’re making, I wouldn’t really know what they’re talking about, and it made me feel like I was in the wrong spot. But over the last couple months, I’ve started to feel like a true brewer and it’s so exciting.”
She said the key to her progress so far has been continuing to show up, no matter how hard it may be.
“I’ve really been encouraged to be involved and meet other brewers in the area. It has helped me be a part of it. It’s built my confidence and connections and reminded me that I’m going to be in the industry, and I have to show up.”
Enjoying the process
On her progress so far, Harvey said it has been about nailing the basics – which are not always just about beer.
“It’s been about what the certain steps do and why, as well as the packaging side. I’ve slowly learned how to operate the canner, clean tanks, prepare for a brew and done a bit of brewing too.
“Frank and I worked on more of a vodka mixer, but it took a lot of experimenting to nail the colours and flavours, which I think was a good first step for me. With beer there are so many more variables to nail, so I think it was a good way to introduce me into experimenting with flavours and aromas that I can apply to beer.”
In terms of working with Samson, Harvey she is inspired by the fun and educational environment he has created.
“He’s incredibly smart and supportive. He has been able to make the learning side fun too. Whenever I make mistakes, he reminds me that everyone makes mistakes, and he’ll fix it or tell me how, which is even better. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.”
Harvey said her next goal is to create her very own beer.
“I can’t wait to start making my own beer. Experimenting with the beers here, has motivated me to create my own thing and have my own little project.”
Advice to young women
With plenty more to learn, Harvey said she is excited by the opportunities ahead and is ready to take on new challenges.
“I’m proud of how I’ve been progressing with my traineeship. I think obviously there’s so much to continue to learn. But the progress that I’ve made, I feel like anything is possible.”
Harvey said her hope for the industry is that more young women like her feel the same.
“It would be amazing to see more women like me, and for the industry to treat us like brewers. I mean the first brewers were women, and people seem to forget that.”
Her advice to anyone entering the industry, is lead with confidence and passion.
“Don’t give up. If you come into a problem, there’s always a solution. Slowly chip away at it and ask for help. This industry is continuously growing, and more women will be a part of that and just more people to build this community and I’m excited for it.”
