HIT Training to o​ffer UK first apprenticeship for brewers, which has been developed by industry trailblazer group.

Over two years in the making, the UK’s first brewer apprenticeship is being offered to the sector by HIT Training, the apprenticeship provider of choice in the hospitality industry.

Supporting the diverse role of a brewer in small and large breweries alike, the Level 4 apprenticeship is a comprehensive learning programme which has been developed by an employer trailblazer group, facilitated by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

Apprentices will benefit from an 18-month programme comprising of six two-day residential workshops run by The University of Nottingham’s International Centre for Brewing Science, where they will learn about different brewing techniques and styles, as well as the chemistry behind the brewing process. The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) has also created online learning materials to complement the workshops, while HIT’s expert trainers will provide 1-2-1 visits for each aspiring brewer.

HIT Training is one of the inaugural training providers in the sector to offer the apprenticeship and has been instrumental in designing the programme content and delivery model. The aim of the apprenticeship is to improve employees’ skills and increase their efficiency and productivity in a demanding and often sought-after role.

HIT Training works closely with both employers and apprentices to deliver a training programme which meets the bespoke needs of individual breweries and apprentices’ career aspirations. The apprentices will gain from in-work experience covering a broad spectrum of activities, from gaining an understanding of ingredient provenance and the importance of stock control, to safe operation of brewing equipment, design of beer recipes and brewery promotion.

Jill Whittaker, Managing Director of HIT Training, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been part of the trailblazer group which has developed the brewer apprenticeship and to be among the first to deliver it to the sector. The UK brewing and pub industries are significant contributors to the national economy with over 2,000 breweries currently in operation. It’s brilliant news to see the sector taking control of its future and making sure it has the best workforce for the exciting time ahead via offering high-quality training opportunities such as this apprenticeship.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Britain’s beer and pub industry is the envy of the world, but to secure future growth we need to nurture our own talent, which is why apprenticeships are so important. The newly launched Brewing Apprenticeship will open the door for the brewers of the future, ensuring that Britain continues to lead the way in brewing great beer.”

Dr Jerry Avis, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Brewing and Distilling, added: “Brewing great quality beer time after time demands both practical expertise with a good technical understanding of the process. This apprenticeship scheme will deliver both. We’re delighted to be part of a well-coordinated partnership that builds on the strength of every party. The IBD contribution is an exceptional online offering that will add a high degree of flexibility when it comes to how apprentices study and I have no doubt that we will see the development of professional brewers who will enhance our industry throughout their careers.”

Prof. David Cook, AB InBev Professor in Brewing Science, International Centre For Brewing Science, The University of Nottingham, said: “We are delighted to partner with HIT Training and the Institute of Brewing & Distilling to help deliver the new Level 4 apprenticeship in brewing. This exciting initiative will support the development of key vocational brewing knowledge and competencies and is underpinned with globally recognised IBD learning materials. The practical and technical training at Nottingham will be provided by highly experienced practitioners and support the development of the next generation of brewing talent in the UK.

Kris Gumbrell, Chief Executive Officer at Brewhouse and Kitchen, said: “HIT Training has been front and centre in supporting the trailblazer group to develop the overdue and highly sought-after Level 4 Brewer Apprenticeship. The qualification marks a step-change for the industry and that’s why Brewhouse and Kitchen has been so heavily involved in its creation, alongside the BBPA and the tremendous support of over 30 large and small UK brewers.”