It has been created to help tackle the shortage of hospitality staff in Ireland.
The first ever Bar Manager Apprenticeship Degree will launch this week in Limerick, with support by Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), Griffith College, and Solas, the state agency for further education.
Earlier this year, it was reported that SIPTU were calling upon employers in the hospitality sector to pay their employees more to avoid further workforce shortages, as they believe that a combination of low pay and poor working conditions are key factors in the struggle to find more staff.
In a survey published by
Fáilte Ireland, 42% of participants who went on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme did not return to their previous employer once restrictions were eased.
88% of employers said they were struggling to recruit chefs in particular, with 70% disclosing difficulty in finding bar staff, and 62% having trouble finding waiters.
The new apprenticeship degree, available through Griffith College in Cork, Dublin and Limerick, will aim to rebuild the hospitality workforce.
VFI Chief Executive Paul Clancy had the following to say about the new degree:
"At a time when staff recruitment is cited as the number one issue for the hospitality business, this degree will play a vital role in retaining key personnel."
Mary Liz Trant, the Interim Director of the National Apprenticeship Office, had this to say of the programme:
"Change is accelerating in the apprenticeship system, with the National Apprenticeship Office driving transformation across 65 diverse and innovative apprenticeship programmes. This Apprenticeship is a key example of an in-demand skills-based course that forms part of this transformational agenda.
“The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland and Griffith College have developed an exceptional programme that offers important pathways to employment at the highest level in the industry, with 21st-century skills to compete in the sector."
While Griffith College President, Professor Diarmuid Hegarty, said the qualification would assist in the bar trade in the post-pandemic environment:
"We have worked closely with the Vintner's Federation of Ireland to develop a practical and applied qualification which will enhance the skills and competencies of staff as the pub industry re-ignites after the challenges of Covid."
More information on the degree can be found
here.
Employers are eligible for a grant, per registered apprentice, and applications are now open for the September intake. Employers can register interest
here.
