BBPA Academy opens the door to lifelong careers in Britain’s beer and pub sector

A first of its kind, sector-wide academy that opens the door for young people has welcomed its first cohort, with 10 graduates beginning their 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.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Many captains of industry started their working lives in a pub, and pubs and breweries support more than one million jobs across the UK.

“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.

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, which the BBPA says is proof of the appetite for people to build careers in hospitality.

The trade body 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 Company UK, Greene King, Star Pubs, Admiral Taverns, McMullen, Everards, Hall & Woodhouse, Adnams, Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, and St Austell Brewery, giving graduates experience across national and regional businesses.

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.

Half of the UK’s beer and pub industry’s workforce is currently made up of under-25s, and the trade body said a review is vital for the sector to continue keeping young people in work.

Notes to Editors

The BBPA Academy began in in September 2026 and comprises four six-month modules.

The BBPA represents pubs and breweries whose members brew more than 90% of British beer and own approximately 20,000 pubs.

For further information please contact Alex Adkins via press@beerandpub.com.

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