Ireland’s first bar manager apprenticeship degree launches today

To tackle the “crippling shortage” of hospitality staff.

The first ever apprenticeship degree to train a new generation of bar managers will launch today in Dublin, in a move to reverse the pub sector’s post-Covid struggle to retain staff. The three year degree has been launched by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Griffith College, with the support of Solas.

A Fáilte Ireland survey released in February indicated nine out of ten hospitality businesses have problems recruiting staff, with many employers linking the shortage to a lack of training. VFI believe that the new apprenticeship programme – which will be available nationally through Griffith College in Dublin, Cork and Limerick – will be critical in tackling this issue.

The Bar Manager Apprenticeship Degree is a work-based learning programme, and will allow apprentices to work, earn, and learn to become fully qualified managers. Students already working in the bar trade may be sponsored by their employer to develop the skills necessary to operate at a managerial level in the industry, spending one day a week in lectures over three years.

School leavers with experience in the bar trade and career changers are also eligible.

Employers are eligible for a grant, per registered apprentice, and applications are now open for the September intake. Employers can register interest HERE.

Header image via VFI  

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