Public house manager : Training

Training varies according to the size of the organisation. Larger employers seek to develop transferable skills, such as communication and generic management skills, whilst smaller employers focus on practical on-the-job training in areas such as cookery, and valued hospitality and management qualifications such as those offered by City & Guilds .

Larger chains often have graduate training schemes or fast-track management schemes. These vary from company to company, but most provide a structured programme of practical training, formal and informal courses and, most importantly, hands-on learning. Training is often undertaken in the role of assistant manager with support from the pub manager.

There are a range of other qualifications you can work towards. These include the Award in Beer and Cellar Quality and the Level 3 Certificate in Licensed Hospitality, both offered by the British Institute of Innkeepers Awarding Body (BIIAB) . The BIIAB also offers training in other areas, such as door supervision and drug awareness. There is also an Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality, Supervision and Leadership Skills (NVQ) and an NVQ Level 2 in Food and Drink Services, as well as the opportunity to take a Wine & Spirit Education Trust  course.

Managers of public houses that sell food must usually gain additional qualifications, such as the Food Safety awards offered by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)  at different sector-specific levels.

Alongside the formal qualifications, there is likely to be an internal training programme. This will help to develop your communication skills, health and safety knowledge, and marketing and merchandising skills.