Modern brewing apprenticeship launched in Scotland

A brewing apprenticeship, offering training in the art of beer production, has been announced in Scotland, with backing from industry leaders and employers.

Commissioned by Skills Development Scotland, the programme was has been developed by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink, with support from industry body Scotland Food & Drink, and brewers large and small, including Tennent Caledonian Breweries, Islay Ales and Diageo.

The Modern Apprenticeship in brewing, will give students the chance to learn their trade on the job from an employer, while working towards a recognised SCQF level 5 SVQ qualification and is designed to develop a pipeline of new recruits into the workforce, as well as provide training and development for those currently in the industry.

The programme is the latest step by food and drink producers to attract talent, a priority outlined in Scotland Food & Drink's Ambition 2030 strategy which aims to join-up industry and education to promote the benefits of working in the sector to those leaving school.

Breweries currently sustain more than 8,500 jobs in Scotland, with the beer and pub trade employing over 51,000 people directly. This Modern Apprenticeship has been drawn up to meet the needs of all brewers, from micro-businesses to major employers.

Hilary Jones, chair of the Brewing Industry Leadership Group, said: "Brewing is one of the oldest industries in Scotland with a strong provenance and reputation going back centuries. The launch of this Modern Apprenticeship as a new route for young people to join this rewarding industry is great news.

"We're looking forward to working with Skills Development Scotland to engage with school leavers, encouraging them to consider an apprenticeship in brewing as a contemporary alternative to more traditional further education, providing a springboard to a long-term career."

Minister for business, fair work and skills, Jamie Hepburn, also commented: "Scotland's beer industry and the wider food and drink sector has been one of the big success stories in Scotland in recent years. A key factor in continuing that success in the long term is attracting a new and younger workforce to the industry and providing these employees with the right skills and training to meet current and future business needs.

"As such I welcome this new Brewing Modern Apprenticeship to our growing family of apprenticeships as we continue to deliver more apprenticeships in Scotland than ever before."

The 2019 Caterer Drinks Guide