Brewer Greene King launches graduate placement scheme for pub trade

Independent brewer Greene King has launched what it claims is the first graduate placement scheme in the pub trade.

The Suffolk-based company's recently launched Industrial Placement Programme will prepare graduates for deputy manager jobs at its pubs. The graduates are undertaking a 48-week course at various pubs, designated as training houses.

They will get hands-on experience of running as pub plus formal studies which will lead to qualifications related to the licensed trade. These will include courses on beer and cellar quality, health and safety and first aid.

Graduate trainees will also have a personal mentor to guide them through the course.

Greene King industrial training project manager Terri Hardy said: "We want to encourage graduates to see the pub industry as an inspiring and viable career choice.

"By the age of 25 our graduates could be running an exciting business with a sizeable team, hundreds of loyal customers and a £1 million turnover.The programme will help us recruit and retain the very best for our business, maintaining the high service standards we set."

Greene King runs about 780 pubs in England and Wales.