The VFI fully supports this programme as a means to providing an increased pool of well-trained, suitably qualified managers and thereby facilitate the growth of individual business and the sector as a whole."

- Pat Crotty, Chief Executive Vintners’ Federation of Ireland

Generation Apprenticeship announces welcome increase in the Employer Grant scheme.

Objectives of the course 

This programme equips apprentices with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the bar industry by focusing on:

• Leadership & Team Management: Develop strong leadership, HR, and people management skills to lead teams and foster a positive work environment.

• Legal & Regulatory Understanding: Gain a thorough knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to bar operations.

• Operational Excellence: Manage food, beverage, and customer service to ensure safety, quality, and exceptional experiences.

• Financial & Commercial Skills: Apply financial principles, commercial acumen, and procurement practices for efficient and profitable operations.

• Marketing & Business Growth: Use marketing, including digital techniques, to attract customers and drive business development.

• Lean & Efficient Practices: Implement lean strategies to boost efficiency and create value for employers, employees, and customers.

• Effective Communication: Strengthen communication skills to engage successfully with customers, staff, and suppliers.

Who is the course for?

Applicants must have a minimum of one year full-time or two years part-time experience working in the bar industry.

Employees identified by their employer as someone with the potential to become a senior manager and whom they wish to retain and develop.

Candidates who have successfully completed a NFQ level 5 or level 6 in hospitality or business and are seeking a pathway to advance their career.

Individuals who have worked in the bar industry and are looking for a long-term career in management may find this opportunity appealing. This is particularly relevant for those who have just finished school.

Benefits of the programme to the bar owner

• The development of creative and proactive managers and leaders.
• Improved business performance.
• Retaining talented employees.
• Employee motivation and enhanced employee engagement.
• Strengthen the organisation's culture of learning.
• Increased knowledge sharing.
• Recruitment advantage by showing support for staff development.
• €2000 employer grant per apprentice, per year, €6000 in total.

Duration 

• 3 Years
• 30 days per year
• 2 x 15-week semesters each year

Course content 

Year 1 

• Personal and Academic Development
• Effective Business Communication
• Food Management
• Health & Safety Operations
• Fundamentals of Finance, Beverage Management, Bar Operations – Stock Management
• Food Safety Fundamentals

Year 2 

• Bar Regulations
• Sustainable Operations
• Marketing Management
• Managing People
• Contemporary Issues for the Bar Industry
• Operational and Financial Management
• Business Proposal Project
• Event Management

Year 3

• Management of Food Safety
• Effective Procurement
• Social Media Management
• Lean Business Strategies
• Talent Development
• Strategic Management
• Professional Perspectives on Emerging Trends
• Business Development Project 

Employer Commitment 

• Identify potential and committed staff for development.
• Appoint a workplace mentor to facilitate the apprentice over the 3 years.
• Release the workplace mentor for two days of training prior to the programme starting.
• Pay the apprentice while they are attending the classroom sessions.
• Work with Generation Apprenticeship and Griffith College to deliver the programme.

Learn more

To find out more about apprenticeships in Ireland visit Generation Apprenticeship.