Now everyone, from barperson to chef, has the chance to run their own pub - thanks to Manchester brewer JW Lees's new Superstars programme.
Any employee can apply to join the programme, which aims to provide all the training, skills and tools they need to be a pub manager. Successful applicants are selected for their personality and attitude, the most important attributes JW Lees looks for in its staff.
Combining practical experience with the necessary qualifications, each trainee benefits from a mix of in-house training and industry-accredited courses.
And as no two people are the same the programme is tailored to each individual's needs. Similarly, there is no set timeframe for completing the course. There will be one intake each year, but finishing the programme can take eight months or 18 depending on the individual.
"It's more important to take the time to prepare staff fully and ensure they feel comfortable to take on the new role, rather than just ticking off boxes along the way," explains JW Lees's HR manager Vicki Jackson.
Then, once the course is completed, the newly qualified pub manager will undertake several periods of relief manager cover, so they gain practical experience and feel comfortable working in the role, before managing their own pub.
"The pub business is a people business and staff can often be the reason customers return, so it's crucial to invest in good people who will contribute to that all-important customer experience," she adds.
"It's important to offer pub staff a clear career path so they can see there are opportunities for progression, ensuring they stay motivated and committed to the company, as this will shine through to customers."
One person who has already taken advantage of that approach is Claire Robinson - who at 27 is now running the pub she started at as an 18-year-old barmaid.
Her career began at the Olde Boars Head in Middleton, Manchester, where she immediately took to bar work and became keen to find out more about the pub industry and to learn how pubs operate. Impressed by her enthusiasm and spotting a clear potential, Claire's manager and the HR team at JW Lees head office arranged for her to attend several training courses.
She quickly progressed to supervisor, then moved to the Rose of Lancashire in Oldham where she took on the job of assistant manager. This not only meant more responsibility, the Rose was a much busier pub with a large restaurant and it gave Claire an opportunity to learn new skills.
The step up to deputy manager was a natural progression and gave her a strong foundation and the experience to become a relief manager.
For the next 12 months Claire worked in pubs across the North West covering for managers who were on holiday. She gained experience of working in a variety of environments, each with different demands, learning new techniques and ways of working.
In an interesting twist, the manager's position at the Olde Boars Head became available and Claire jumped at the chance to take it on. Two years on she's still getting a buzz out of running her own pub. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my career so far, and it's great to be back at the pub where I started," she says.
"Now that I'm a manager myself I make sure I give my staff all the training and support they need - I want to see that they have the same opportunities I had."
"We saw potential in Claire straight away," says Vicki. "She had everything we look for in a manger - a friendly, bubbly personality, enthusiasm and a hard-working attitude.
"She has been dedicated throughout her training and we're delighted she's managing one of our pubs - she is hugely popular with customers and staff and is a great asset to our team."