Ten graduates are beginning a two-year graduate programme at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) Academy.
The Academy gives graduates the chance to work full-time with leading pubs and brewers while completing four six-month development modules combining industry experience, technical training, workshops, seminars, and formal reviews.
Each programme is tailored to the graduate while providing broad exposure to the sector, helping build the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence of the graduates.
“Many captains of industry started their working lives in a pub, and pubs and breweries support more than one million jobs across the UK,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“The chancellor’s first job was behind a bar and he, like so many, know how doing everything from pot washing to pulling pints helps build valuable skills that set you up for life.
“We’re delighted that so many brewers and pubs have joined us and committed to this one-of-a-kind Academy, helping give bright young graduates a vital first step into our brilliant sector.
“Half of our sector’s brilliant workforce is made up of under-25s, which is why we’re calling on government to build on its support for the sector by reviewing soaring employment costs for young people.”
Module one covers brewing, supply chain, technical services, IT, sustainability, climate change, and personal development. Module two develops commercial and operational capability through audit, compliance, finance, property, kitchen and pub operations, and area management. Module three focuses on people leadership, employee relations, workforce planning, motivation, and employment law. And module four covers marketing, menu development, procurement, distribution, public relations, data analytics, and wider industry knowledge, culminating in a mandatory company project and presentation.
Andy Wilson, managing director of Everards, said: “The graduate scheme is geared up for future leaders in hospitality, much like the ones completed by several chief execs back in the 90s at companies such as Scottish & Newcastle, Whitbread, and Bass. It really does offer a breadth of experience, from working hands-on in a brewery right through to operations, HR, finance, and marketing.
“I am grateful for the support shown by all the brewing and pub companies involved. I’ve met the current cohort and their strengths demonstrate exactly why support from the industry matters. By supporting these talented individuals we are not only helping to shape their futures, but investing in hospitality itself.”
The first year of the scheme saw approximately 1,000 people apply. The BBPA says this scale of interest proves why government must review employment costs for younger people, so businesses can continue investing in people and helping them build skills, experience, and careers
Participating employers include Molson Coors Brewing Co UK, Greene King, Star Pubs, Admiral Taverns, McMullen, Everards, Hall & Woodhouse, Adnams, Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, and St Austell Brewery.
The BBPA is calling for government to build on its support for the sector by reviewing employment costs, particularly for under 25s, so the sector can continue to invest in young people.
