ROBINSONS APPOINT FIRST PUB MANAGER FROM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, family-run Robinsons Brewery has highlighted the success of its first ever pub manager from their Apprenticeship Programme, Aspire, which was introduced in January 2019 – A learning and development programme centred around hospitality and enhanced with bespoke training.

William Bassett started as a team member 5 years ago (at 26 years old) at Robinsons’ Royal Ship pub (pictured above when he first began his journey). He has now taken over as General Manager at the Wynnstay Arms in Ruabon this week, after gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge during his programme. Will was in Robinsons’ 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.”

The Aspire programme was put on hold through Covid, but Robinsons is set to launch its next cohort in March 2022 and is looking to broaden the apprenticeships available to its managed pub teams. With it currently being a brutal time for the hospitality industry with staff shortages and venues forced to slash hours or even close since Covid, the brewery is delighted to be opening new doors for its team to help set future careers.

Will said: “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!”

For more information on the Wynnstay Arms and to book a table or room, visit their website here.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news and brews from Robinsons, visit robinsonsbrewery.com, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and on Instagram.