Robinsons Brewery shares success story from its Aspire training and apprenticeships programme

With National Apprenticeships Week taking place last week (from 6th to 12th February), Stockport family brewers, Robinsons Brewery, have celebrated the successes of participants on its Aspire apprenticeship programme.

Robinsons Brewery has been developing its teams through apprenticeships since 2015, and in 2019, launched its ‘Aspire’ programme to offer continuous development for colleagues to gain knowledge, skills and experience with the business.

The family-run brewery works in partnership with HIT Training, which specialise is providing training and apprenticeships for the hospitality and catering industries.

One participant in the Aspire programme at Robinsons Brewery is Eveline Meerdink, duty manager and The Mulberry in Conwy, North Wales. She said of her experience with the programme:

“My name is Eveline Meerdink, I am 56 years old, I am Dutch and I live in North Wales working at the Mulberry. I have got 3 grown up daughters which means I have plenty of life experience.

“I chose this Aspire apprenticeship to develop my skills, apply my knowledge of hospitality and further my career in business. My goal is to eventually be able to run my own business.

“During this apprenticeship I have gained skills in communication between managers and employees which will help me in the future in my role. I have also gained the necessary skills in leadership; a key factor of becoming a great manager.

“One of the workshops which stood out for me was where we discussed motivation amongst employees. This allowed me to see how motivation and business operation goes hand in hand. Self-awareness and evaluation with feedback on each other provides me with belief and confidence in myself.

“Overall this has been a very beneficial opportunity and very eye opening. I would definitely recommend this to those who would like to benefit from and progress in their future career!”

Last year saw the first Aspire learner promoted to General Manager. Will Bassett was part of the first cohort of participants and is now General Manager at the Wynnstay Arms in Ruabon, near Wrexham, where he is continuing his professional development studying for a Hospitality Manager Level 4 qualification.