SIBA and the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) have pledged support for the Government’s intention to develop a new brewing apprenticeship standard in a joint press release issued today.
Both organisations are encouraging their members to submit their views to the Government via the Department for Education’s Consultation hub.
SIBA represents around 850 independent craft breweries across the UK: “The beer and brewing industry has always been a big employer of young people and we are seeing more and more young people show an interest in the independent craft brewing industry, thanks in no small part to the boom in choice of quality beers across the UK that are inspiring the next generation of brewers. SIBA fully supports the Government’s decision to develop a new brewing apprenticeship standard and hopes it will lead to more young people entering this fantastic industry.” Mike Benner, SIBA Managing Director
IBD is the world’s leading professional body for those working in the brewing and distilling industries with around 1,800 members in the UK: ”The Institute of Brewing and Distilling is fully supportive of an apprenticeship initiative for employers in the sector that will provide an entry route to professional brewing where technical knowledge supports the practical skills necessary to produce consistently excellent, quality beers.” Jerry Avis, IBD CEO
SIBA’s British Beer Report 2017*, published in March, shows that on average their independent craft brewing members currently employee a workforce with more than 10% of people aged 16-24, showing there is clearly room in the indie brewing industry for such legislation.
Crucially, over 70% of SIBA member breweries will be looking to employ between one and five new employees over the next 12 months.
The consultation has also been supported by the British Beer & Pub Association and various industry employers.