Robinsons Brewery appoints first pub manager from apprenticeship programme

Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery has marked National Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the success of the family-run business’ first pub manager to progress from its apprenticeship programme.

Robinsons’ Aspire apprenticeship programme launched in January 2019 to provide a learning and development programme centred around hospitality and enhanced with bespoke training for brewery colleagues.

William Bassett started as a team member 5 years ago (at 26 years old) at Robinsons’ Royal Ship pub (pictured above when he first joined Robinsons). He has now taken over as General Manager at the Wynnstay Arms in Ruabon in North Wales this week, after gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge during his apprenticeship programme. Will was in Robinsons Brewery’s first cohort, and after completing Level 3 Hospitality supervision is now continuing his journey in his apprenticeship programme qualifying for Level 4 Hospitality Management.

Susan Forbes, People Development & Compliance Manager at Robinsons Brewery, said: 

“Will returned after furlough and showed great determination and loyalty. He was well deservedly promoted to an Assistant Manager and has since worked in other pubs in the business to gain more experience and as part of his development. On Monday he began his role as General Manager at the Wynnstay, we wish him the best of luck and know just how great he will be.”

While the apprenticeship programme was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Robinsons Brewery is now set to launch its next cohort in March 2022, and plans to broaden the offer to its managed pub teams. Despite the current challenges facing the hospitality sector, the brewery is delighted to be opening new doors for its team to help set future careers.

William Bassett added:

“After 5 years with Robinsons I am really excited to be looking after such a beautiful pub as the Wynnstay Arms. The brewery has really supported me through my journey and every step of the way, they have delivered their promises to support my ambitions. As the next Aspire cohort launches, I am hoping to use this experience to show how rewarding a career in hospitality can be and how if you stick with Robinsons, they will stick with you! Now I’m just really excited to get stuck in!”