MPs to pull pints and make cocktails at Apprenticeship Showcase

22-Feb-2017 - Last updated on 23-Feb-2017 at 11:23 GMT

Invest in youth: MP Andrew Griffiths will be hosting the apprenticeship event

More than 100 young people will challenge their local MPs' hospitality skills at the Apprenticeship Showcase next month (March).

MPs will have to create cocktails, pull pints, set and clear dining places in record time, and show their chef skills alongside talking to apprentices about their experiences as they start their careers.

The event will be held during National Apprenticeship Week (6–10 March) at the House of Commons on 7 March.

Supporters of the Apprenticeship Showcase include Heineken, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Hawkshead Brewery, Five Points Brewing, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Diageo and Wincle Beer Company.

In good company

These companies join an existing group of supporters including Stonegate Pub Company, Mitchells & Butlers, Beds & Bars, Fuller’s, Marston’s and Ignition Brewery.

Former All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman Andrew Griffiths MP, who is hosting the event, emphasised the importance of bringing apprentices from across the different pockets of the sector to boast the skills they have to offer.

Huge range of apprenticeships

He said: “Uniting apprentices across the industry to showcase brewing, retailing and casual dining demonstrates the diversity of skills that support this dynamic sector and highlights the huge range of apprenticeships on offer.”

SIBA managing director Mike Benner outlined the importance of apprentices in the industry, supported with figures from the trade body.

He added: “The beer and brewing industry is well-known for employing a high proportion of young people with SIBA’s new Members' Survey report highlighting more than 10% of its combined workforce are aged between 16 and 24.

“It is fantastic to see more and more brewers taking on apprentices in order to teach the next generation of independent craft brewers and I hope that this event shows the importance of apprenticeship schemes across the hospitality sector and beyond.”