Called to the bar? New apprenticeship to boost pub staff

THE first apprenticeship for bar managers is being launched in Limerick, with the aim of tackling a shortage of hospitality staff across the country.

A Fáilte Ireland survey in February indicated that up to nine out of ten hospitality businesses have had problems recruiting staff, with many employers linking the shortage to a lack of training.

Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) chief Paul Clancy said the apprenticeship would be critical

‘The concept is wonderful’

to alleviating the issue. He added: ‘At a time when staff recruitment is cited as the number one issue for the hospitality business, this degree will play a vital role in retaining key personnel.’

As part of the Bar Manager Apprenticeship Degree, students already working in the trade can be sponsored by their employer, spending one day a week in lectures for three years.

School leavers with experience in the bar trade and career changers are also eligible. One of the first people to sign up, 23-year-old Emma Hanley – an apprentice at The Old Quarter pub in Limerick city – said she was attracted to the offer of being able to work and learn at the same time.

She added: ‘I have always enjoyed working in a bar and the apprenticeship has given me a real insight into my chosen career.

‘The degree is very well structured, allowing me to learn indepth about the trade, while putting the practical elements to use and earning at the same time. It is a great way to learn and you gain great insight.’

JJ Mulcahy, owner of The Old Quarter, which has three apprentices, said it gave ‘a great advantage’ to retain and develop staff.

He added: ‘The concept is wonderful. This is an industry which can give you a good career but you have to put the time and effort into learning it.’

Mary Liz Trant, interim director of the National Apprenticeship Office, described the programme as exceptional and innovative.

She said: ‘This is a key example of an in-demand skills-based course that forms part of this transformational agenda.’

The course is the result of a collaboration between the VFI and Griffith College, and is supported by Ireland’s State agency for further education, Solas.

It will be available through Griffith College in Cork, Dublin and Limerick, and will be launched by the Minister of State for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins today in The Old Quarter.

Griffith president Professor Diarmuid Hegarty said: ‘We have worked closely with the VFI to develop a practical and applied qualification as the pub industry reignites after Covid’.

Employers are eligible for a grant per registered apprentice. Applications are now open for the September intake on www.griffith.ie.