Apprentices Make Their Mark at North West Family-Owned Brewers

Apprentices at North West-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes are helping to ensure the ongoing success of the business, after making their mark on the family-owned independent brewery.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), Hydes is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship programme and encouraging other hospitality businesses to offer them as part of their staff training and development initiatives.

Hydes continues to support employees pursuing nationally recognised apprenticeship qualifications after first introducing its own programme in 2017. Numerous apprenticeships are offered to staff across different areas of the brewery business and its pub estate.

Hydes is actively encouraging existing employees and new recruits to join its programme, which offers the opportunity to earn an above apprentice-level wage whilst gaining valuable on the job training.

Several employees are enjoying successful careers after recently completing their apprenticeships and gaining valuable qualifications.

Ryan Littler is thriving as Hydes’ youngest deputy manager across its entire pub estate, working at The Golden Lion in Wrexham after successfully completing the Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship. James Stevenson, who also works at The Golden Lion and also successfully completed the same hospitality apprenticeship, was promoted to deputy manager in January.

Ebhoney Houghton who works at The Plough in Sale recently achieved Hospitality Team Member Level 2 and Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 qualifications and is now duty manager at the busy community pub.

On the brewery operations front, employee Chris Riley is currently studying Brewing Apprenticeship Level 4. Chris joined Hydes as an experienced brewer but was keen to build on his industry knowledge and credentials and enhance his skill set. Hydes has been working closely with Chris and Nottingham University, with which the Brewing Apprenticeship qualification is affiliated, to meet his needs.

New employee Gareth Jones, who recently joined the brewery team, starts the Brewing Apprenticeship Level 4 qualification in May. Gareth, who has considerable brewing experience, was keen to further his career and recognised that developing his knowledge and expertise whilst doing the job was the perfect way to achieve these personal career goals, with the full support of Hydes.

Hydes has nurtured several successful apprentices, showcasing the effectiveness of the programme. Brandon Hodkinson, who completed his apprenticeship at The Coach and Four in Wilmslow, is now senior sous chef at the premium dining pub. Tom Rostron, a pioneer in the Brewing Level 4 apprenticeship scheme qualification, is now Hydes’ brewing manager at the Salford brewery. Tom Allkins, another standout apprentice and a member of the Hydes family, has recently been promoted to laboratory manager after completing his Level 4 brewing qualification with distinction, continuing a family tradition that spans generations.

Since 2017, around 50 apprentices have progressed through the scheme, with the majority having progressed into management roles since then.

Run in conjunction with external training providers, Hydes apprenticeships usually take between 12-24 months to complete. Learning is done on the job but employees have the support of a personal tutor monitoring them at regular intervals. Every apprenticeship has an ‘end point assessment’ which needs completing and submitting over a three-month period.

Laura Miller, Hydes training manager, comments: “At Hydes, we view apprenticeships as a powerful tool for talent acquisition and development. They are not just for young people and are well suited to all ages and abilities. It’s mutually beneficial as employees gain valuable skills while we cultivate a capable, enthusiastic workforce.

“Apprenticeships are integral to our business strategy, fostering internal growth and career advancement. By offering competitive salaries, robust career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment, we’ve achieved high levels of job satisfaction and employee retention. We’re constantly seeking ambitious individuals who align with our values, providing them with a platform to build a promising future in a company that genuinely appreciates each team member’s contribution.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 40 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

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Pictured: Former apprentice Ryan Littler is now deputy manager at The Golden Lion in Rossett, after achieving his qualifications