UK brewer launches apprenticeship to promote diversity

A brewer in the UK has launched a new apprenticeship to encourage people from more diverse backgrounds to begin a career in the beer industry.

US brewer and Instagram influencer, Megan Stone joins forces with Laine Brew Company to encourage those from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in beer. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Laine Brewing Company )

Laine Brew Company, which runs more than 60 bars and brewpubs in the UK, is rolling out a new brewing apprenticeship scheme in an effort to attract more people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds into the beer industry.

The apprenticeship was launched at south London pub The Four Thieves on Wednesday evening, at an event called the One for All Festival, which saw people employed in various areas of the brewing industry speak about their roles and how they got into their careers.

To celebrate the initiative, Laine is hosting American beer brewer and blogger, Megan Stone, on a UK tour to speak on the topic as well as take part in a special brewing collaboration.

Amongst Megan’s limited-edition brews in the UK, she will create a hazy IPA called All for One, that will be available on draught in the Laine estate of pubs and Mitchells & Butlers brand, Castle.

Brewery director Jack Hibberd said the apprenticeship will, hopefully, encourage people from “diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds to consider a career in brewing. ”

The brewer has also launched a ‘One for All Festival’ where he said individuals from underrepresented groups can “discuss what more needs to be done to help the brewing industry become more inclusive.”

“As part of this festival we will be introducing our first best-in-class apprenticeship programme in conjunction with the Hospitality Industry Training and University of Nottingham’s International Centre for Brewing Science that will aim to start transforming the make-up of our brewing team.”

“In the US, I’ve learned you have to fight and be pushy to get on in the sector,” Stone said.

“No-one necessarily gives you permission as a female or as a person of colour.

“As a young gay woman, I still have to constantly prove myself to be worthy of a place in the industry.

“More perspectives in the beer making process – from people coming together – all unique in their own way – will give us new tastes, inspirations and influences and that is not just a positive way to go – it is the right way to go and we can all benefit – workers, colleagues, friends and drinkers.”