Webinar Recording (WATCH) – BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship: Your Questions Answered

 

 

The VFI recently hosted a webinar with Griffith College’s Head of Apprenticeships, Jonathan Murphy, to answer members’ questions about the BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship.

The programme was developed specifically for the licensed trade and is designed to help publicans attract, develop and retain talented staff while building future managers for their businesses. During the webinar, Jonathan addressed some of the most common questions from employers considering hosting an apprentice.

 

What is the BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship is a three-year, Level 7 degree programme developed by the trade, for the trade.

It was created following concerns around staff shortages, high turnover rates and the need to build a stronger pipeline of future managers for pubs. VFI members worked directly with Griffith College to design the programme and continue to oversee its development today.

The goal is simple: give talented staff a clear career pathway while helping pubs develop skilled managers who can contribute to the business immediately.

How does it work?

Apprentices remain employed full-time in the pub while completing their degree.

They attend Griffith College for:

• One day per week
• 30 college days per year
• Two 15-week semesters each year
• A total programme length of three years

The timetable is designed around the realities of the trade, avoiding the busiest periods such as December, January, July and August wherever possible.

Between classes, apprentices complete assignments and apply what they are learning directly in the workplace.

What do apprentices learn?

The programme goes far beyond day-to-day bar operations.

Areas covered include:

• Leadership and management
• Customer experience
• Staff management
• Business development
• Cost control
• Compliance and regulation
• Marketing and promotion
• Food and beverage operations
• Financial management
• Strategic planning

The aim is to develop professional bar managers capable of helping pubs adapt and thrive in a changing business environment.

Why should a pub consider hosting an apprentice?

Several benefits were highlighted during the webinar:

Develop future managers

Rather than recruiting management talent externally, pubs can develop someone who already understands their business and customers.

Improve staff retention

Young employees increasingly want career progression and professional development. Offering an apprenticeship can make your pub a more attractive employer and encourage talented staff to stay.

Strengthen succession planning

For family businesses, the programme can help prepare the next generation to take over the operation with a recognised qualification and practical management skills.

Bring fresh ideas into the business

Apprentices learn new concepts throughout the programme and are encouraged to apply them immediately. Employers regularly report seeing benefits from new ideas, improved systems and stronger management practices during the apprenticeship itself.

What does it cost?

This was one of the most common questions raised during the webinar.

Employer costs

The employer continues to employ and pay the apprentice while they attend college.

However, employers can claim:

• €2,000 per year per apprentice through Generation Apprenticeship
• Up to €6,000 over the full three-year programme

The grant must be actively claimed through the apprenticeship system but the process is straightforward.

Apprentice fees

There is a €1,000 annual student contribution fee.

Many employers choose to cover this cost as part of their investment in staff development.

All other programme costs are covered through the national apprenticeship system.

Do I need to have someone in mind already?

Not necessarily.

Many pubs use the programme to develop an existing employee who has shown potential.

However, employers can also register as apprenticeship hosts and recruit a new apprentice specifically for the programme.

In fact, Griffith College noted that there are prospective apprentices actively looking for employers to sponsor them.

What is the mentor’s role?

Every apprentice must have a workplace mentor.

This can be:

• The pub owner
• A manager
• Another experienced member of the team

The mentor helps the apprentice connect classroom learning to the realities of running a pub and supports their development throughout the programme.

Griffith College also provides mentor training each semester.

Does my pub qualify?

Most pubs can participate.

The programme is particularly straightforward for pubs that serve food.

Wet pubs can also participate, but may need to partner with a food-serving business for a small portion of the programme to allow apprentices complete certain food-related learning requirements.

If you’re unsure whether your pub would qualify, Griffith College and the VFI can guide you through the process.

What happens if an apprentice misses classes?

Attendance is taken seriously.

Apprentices are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance.

Employers receive regular attendance updates and Griffith College monitors participation closely. Where attendance becomes an issue, both the employer and apprentice are contacted to ensure appropriate support is provided.

Is the course fully in-person?

The programme is primarily delivered in person, which allows apprentices to build relationships, share experiences and learn from others in the trade.

Some sessions may be delivered online where appropriate, but the core of the programme remains classroom-based.

What is the final project?

In the final year, apprentices complete a capstone project based on a real business challenge or opportunity within their pub.

Examples could include:

• Developing a food offering
• Expanding the business
• Creating accommodation facilities
• Launching a new concept
• Improving operational performance

The result is a substantial piece of work that can deliver genuine value to the business.

How difficult is the application process?

The message from Griffith College was clear: the process is straightforward and support is available throughout.

There are two elements:

1. Registering through the national apprenticeship system.
2. Completing Griffith College’s approval process.

The college guides employers through every step and provides support documents and advice along the way.

When is the next intake?

The next intake begins in January 2027.

If you’re interested, the recommendation from Griffith College is to start the process now rather than waiting until after Christmas. Early registration allows time to complete the necessary paperwork and secure a place ahead of the intake.

Interested in learning more?

The BA in Bar Management Apprenticeship offers publicans a practical way to develop talent, strengthen retention and build the next generation of managers within their business.

To discuss hosting an apprentice or to find out more about the programme, contact the VFI team at 014923400 or Griffith College at 061310031.