On 24th October, brewer apprentices, industry experts and technical staff came together at Nottingham’s Albert Hall Conference Centre to honour brewing talent and achievement.
The day began with an optional “Off-flavour” training session, where attendees fine-tuned their skills in identifying and diagnosing beer faults. Following this, technical sessions delved into key brewing topics, offering invaluable insights for everyone present.
The main event was the Brewer Apprenticeship graduation ceremony, where 50 brewer apprentices received their certificates in the presence of proud friends, family and colleagues.
Brewer Apprentice Becs Wilderspin shared her appreciation:
A massive thank you for putting on an amazing day yesterday… The apprenticeship overall has been absolutely phenomenal. It has given me skills, knowledge, and beyond that, confidence. It has helped me make connections and feel I belong in the industry; I’ve gained many beautiful friends too!
Another major highlight was HIT’s ‘Untapped’ Beer Competition finale, celebrating exceptional brews crafted by apprentices across the UK. Taking the winning title was Tom Naylor from Little Mesters Brewing with his beer, Crag. Read more about Tom here. Liam Tomlinson from Brewhouse & Kitchen and Johnny Howes from Magpie Brewery both clinched joint second place.
The event also created a welcoming space for socialising and networking, with attendees bringing their own brews to share, allowing everyone to sample a diverse range of flavours.
Jeremy Scorer, Licensed Trade Director at HIT Training, said:
The highlight of our brewer calendar was as special as we had all hoped, 50 brewer Apprentices proudly graduated in front of brewer royalty, colleagues, guests, and family members. Over 160 guests enjoyed the proud celebrations, demonstrating the unwavering support the sector has for this established programme and the many achievers who have and continue to benefit from its success.
Rod White, Master Brewer at The University of Nottingham said:
It was a great pleasure to co-host (with HIT Training) the 2024 Brewing Apprentice Graduation. We were delighted to be joined by so many of the country’s head brewers and the friends and families of those graduating. The beer flavour session and master classes held throughout the day were very well attended. The splendid Albert Hall made a spectacular backdrop.
Industry legend and Brewmaster Derek Prentice added:
“Many thanks for the invitation to attend and participate in the excellent brewing apprentice graduation day last Thursday. It was extremely well organised and I am sure, much appreciated by the graduates – well done. I was most encouraged by the feedback from the apprentices and their managers I spoke with during the evening. It was very encouraging to feel the enthusiasm for the programme and the energy that you have put into making it a success”
This year’s brewer graduation event was a true celebration, blending professional development, recognition and the spirit of brewing.
To learn more about our brewer academy, click here.
Sign up to news, events and great resources