Bar managers ‘earn and learn’ their way to a rewarding career
Apprenticeship Good Programme: There In Demand For Ba Bar Griffith With Always Right Set Staff The Limerick’s Is Management College Strong Skill
Bar management is a dynamic and multifaceted profession that demands a unique blend of leadership, business acumen, and customer service expertise.
It's a role that goes beyond the bar, involving everything from team management and financial planning to creating memorable customer experiences. As the hospitality industry continues to grow, skilled bar managers are in high demand, offering exciting career paths for those ready to step up and lead in this fast-paced environment.
For those looking to advance their careers in bar management, the Griffith College BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship programme offers learners a comprehensive set of skills needed to succeed in the bar trade.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the legal and regulatory framework, leadership and management, food and beverage, commercial skills, finance, marketing, human resource management, communications and personal development.
The programme, which is state-funded, is part of the Generation Apprenticeship initiative. This initiative aims to more than double the number of learners of all ages and backgrounds who use the apprenticeship route to gain their qualifications of choice.
Burke explains that the apprenticeship programme is offered at multiple locations across Ireland: “Demand determines whether a programme will run at any particular location. Currently, it’s running in Limerick, Dublin, Cork, and Carlow. Places are limited to 24 per intake, and demand is high.”
Since this apprenticeship programme has been developed specifically for bar managers, participants benefit enormously. Graduates not only earn a National Framework of Qualifications Level 7 BA in Bar Management (validated by QQI), but they also gain an enhanced skill set and a pathway into management positions.
“The programme runs over three years and is divided into three 14-week terms,” Burke says. “Students are required to attend college for 10 days each term. Applicants must be employed, with a minimum of one year of full-time or two years of part-time experience in the industry. All apprentices are full-time employees, and their employers support their attendance."
As this is the only bar management apprenticeship degree offered in Ireland, it attracts apprentices from across the country. The fact that the programme is offered twice a year helps meet the demand.
On the origins of this apprenticeship, Burke explains: “It was developed in 2022 to address the needs of employers in the industry. Designed by the bar trade, for the bar trade, it was informed by extensive consultation within the industry. This included the formation of a Consortium Steering Group — made up of industry partners and the Vintners’ Association of Ireland — that ensured the apprenticeship programme meets the occupation’s requirements.”
On the benefits of learning while earning, Burke says: “The fact that apprentices can work full-time and study for their degree while getting paid makes the Bar Management Apprenticeship an attractive option for those who want to progress their careers and study simultaneously.”
It is perhaps unsurprising that the BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship attracts people of all ages. Burke observes: “Many of those seeking this formal qualification have years of experience in the trade.”
Applicants are interviewed by a member of the programme management team before being accepted. Burke advises applicants to be “hard-working and motivated,” adding that they should ensure their CV is up to date and be able to discuss both their experience in the industry and their reasons for wanting to join the programme.
It is reassuring for learners to know that the qualifications they seek are valued by employers. Burke confirms: “There is always strong demand for good staff with the right skill set. While certain times of the year — such as summer and Christmas — are busier than others, bar manager jobs tend to be available year-round.”
Happily, applications for this apprenticeship are accepted throughout the year. Those interested should note that the next intake begins in mid-September, and applications should be submitted via the Griffith College website.
Burke says that while applicants under 23 need to have successfully completed the Leaving Cert, those over 23 can apply as mature students.
“We also have apprentices on the programme who have already completed qualifications beyond Leaving Cert,” he says. “The common requirement for all applicants is that they must have the requisite work experience.”
Research from CGA by NIQ shows that sales in the Republic of Ireland’s hospitality sector were €54m higher in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Even so, staff recruitment continues to be a challenge.
Agreeing that this remains an “ongoing issue,” Burke emphasises the benefits to employers of engaging with the BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship programme: “By doing so, they ensure that their staff have the necessary skill sets to manage a successful operation,” he says.
“If any employers of potential apprentices would like to learn more, we, at Griffith College, would be happy to discuss the programme in detail, including the employer grants available.”