Dispense apprenticeships usher in next gen of technicians
Celli AMUK, in association with City of Wolverhampton College and Marston’s, is seeking six new candidates for its drinks dispense apprenticeships scheme.
With three apprentices having already completed the scheme, and Celli Asset Management (UK) – the drinks field service division of Celli Group, formerly T&J Installations – now looking to recruit a further six, the drinks dispense apprenticeships programme is ensuring the future of drinks dispense.
The scheme allows aspiring individuals to quantify their achievements and develop all the skills for drinks dispense engineering with an academic tie-in.
A cross-industry effort
The course, delivered by City of Wolverhampton College at Marston Plc’s Talent Academy in Wolverhampton, has been developed in partnership with Celli AMUK and leading brewers and drinks manufacturers across the country.
The apprenticeship is a structured programme that teaches engineering skills to enable technicians to install, maintain and repair a range of complex drinks dispensing equipment in pubs, clubs, bars, hotels, theatres, leisure centres and stadiums.
The first three
Three people – Jessica Cleaver, Jordan Hurdley and Benjamin Thacker – have already completed the apprenticeship course with Celli AMUK and sat their end-of-course exam. Upon passing the course, they’ve been awarded an NVQ Level 3 in Drinks Dispense – covering beer, cider, soft drinks, water and even cocktails.
Ian Jones, Field Technical Services Director of Celli AMUK, said: “We’re replenishing the skillsets required within an industry that has so much to offer young people. Our passion for innovation and our approach to training and apprenticeships are proving crucial to maintaining the talent pool of the sector.
“We are delighted with the enthusiasm and application of our apprentices – they’re now primed for a career in drinks dispense, but they’ve also acquired many valuable technical skills that they can use in other roles too, such as asbestos awareness, working at heights and manual handling skills.”
Jessica’s success story
Jessica Cleaver, one of the apprentices to recently complete the course, was nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of her enthusiasm, determination and achievement throughout the programme.
Jessica Cleaver - one of the apprentices to recently complete the course.
Of Jessica, Ian said: “Jess has really set a benchmark – she’s embraced the course and the role wholeheartedly, and developed a broad range of strong skills. We know that, currently, this is a line of work that is predominantly taken up by men, but Jessica is a shining example that this career is open to all and has so much to offer.”
Of being a drinks dispense apprentice, Jessica said: “This course has been a fantastic experience, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I think more young people should consider both the course and the industry – it may not be an obvious choice, and some might not even know this career exists, but it’s a very interesting and fulfilling role.”
Education, Education, Education
Richard Hewitt, Sector Lead (Apprenticeships) at City of Wolverhampton College, said: “Our work with Celli AMUK and the other partners participating in this apprenticeship scheme is a great achievement for the college and all involved.
“Not only are we providing young people with skills and experience in an exciting line of work, but we’re also helping to guarantee the supply of skilled personnel that the industry needs. The number of drinks dispense technicians in the country is only in the hundreds, so this is a specialist profession.
“The apprenticeship represents a fantastic route into this rewarding career, with ‘on the job’ experience and one-to-one supervision that is seldom seen elsewhere. We’ve had great success with this existing cohort and are thoroughly looking forward to the next one.”
Searching for six - a call to arms
Celli AMUK is now looking to recruit six new apprentices to the scheme. If you, or someone you know, are considering a career in engineering, building, plumbing or electrics, we encourage you to get in touch – the apprenticeship could be right for you.
If you’re unsure about your future career and would like to know more about this apprenticeship, all options are open and we’d love to hear from you.
For more information on the apprenticeship scheme, please visit our recruitment page, call 0121 783 8925 or email info.amuk@celligroup.com.
