Major boost for pub industry as number of independent breweries continues to rise

THE recent gloomy figures on pub closures may have made you think it’s last orders for the beer industry, but nothing could be further from the truth.

While the pub sector may be changing, the number of independent breweries is still rising and the industry is leading the way in the creation of innovative and exciting new jobs.

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Figures from the Just Drinks tracker show the number of AI-related brewing jobs has doubled in the past year. Alongside this, breweries are becoming more creative, introducing roles from beer sommeliers to influencer managers and net zero specialists, appealing to both younger drinkers and jobseekers in general.

The sector is also becoming more inclusive, with some firms scrapping traditional CVs in favour of gamified hiring in the hunt for fresh talent.

Salaries vary widely, from apprentice brewers pocketing an average of £18,000, up to six-figure wages for bosses of big-name breweries.

However, the growing number of breweries means there are opportunities in almost every area of the UK, including rural and coastal districts.

Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, Cornwall, is one of the nation’s most remote but produces Doom Bar, the UK’s best-selling cask ale.

Its beer sommelier — one of only 200 in the world — is Ed Hughes, 39, who also lives in Rock.

He said: “Breweries are much more complex than we think. Roles range from sommelier, to engineers, to sales, to lab technicians, to logistics, to procurement and finance.

“I see myself as a beer ambassador. One week I could be involved in a cooking demo at a festival with a chef, the next I’m working on a new launch or training category managers for one of our customers.

“The supermarket wine aisle is easy to navigate. But, when it comes to beer, you’ve often got stouts next to double dry hopped IPAs, next to craft lager. It’s a confusing place to be faced with, so I like helping people go on their own voyage of discovery of beer styles and flavour.”

Joe Sidley, head of acquisition at Molson Coors, which owns Sharps, said: “We are always looking for individuals who possess the talent, drive, and values that align with our business.

“Once they’re on board, it then becomes our responsibility to supply them with the necessary training and support to help them realise their full potential.”

For beer jobs see jobs.molson coors.com, www.brewing-jobs.com and siba.co.uk.

Get qualified at ibd.org.uk.

Creative boost of dyslexia

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OCTOBER is Dyslexia Awareness Month, but just one in five who have the condition feel their workplace knows their strengths.

The findings were revealed in new research from LinkedIn and charity Made By Dyslexia.

Around ten per cent of the population has dyslexia and dyslexic people can be brilliant employees.

 Chris Griffiths, creator of productivity app ayoa.com, said: “Though people with dyslexia can struggle with reading and writing, they’re often very creative and able to think about things differently, making them a valuable asset in the workplace.

Here Chris, above, spells out why.

1. They’re innovative: Those with dyslexia process information in a different way, so they need to think differently to traditional linear methods. This requires them to be highly imaginative and innovative thinkers that can devise truly creative ideas.
2. They’re puzzle-solvers: Most thrive when tasked with a puzzle because they’re able to analyse complex systems and see how they connect. They also tend to have better peripheral vision, which helps them to see the bigger picture.
3. They have good reasoning: Their ability to see the bigger picture makes them great reasoners. Though they may find it difficult to focus on the finer details, their strengths lie in spotting patterns and using logic to predict outcomes.
4. They’re determined: Dyslexic people can struggle with a combination of writing, reading, organisation and other necessary skills, so they have plenty of experience of overcoming obstacles without giving up.
5. They’re understanding: Having needed extra support with different areas of learning, dyslexic employees are more likely to be understanding of the struggles of others in your workplace and be able to offer unorthodox solutions.

JOBSPOT

REVOLUT has more than 245 jobs, from mortgage product managers to software engineers. See revolut.com/careers.

Balance is key

A THIRD of UK staff consider work-life balance to be the most crucial consideration when looking for a job.

National Work Life Week, which starts on Monday, encourages employers to showcase their flexible working ­policies and practices.

The annual campaign, run by charity Working Families, also urges workers to share their experiences of companies getting it right.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re encouraging employers and employees to talk about work-life issues, wellbeing, positive mental health and the role employers play in supporting their people to thrive.”

Find out more at workingfamilies.org.uk/nationalworklife week.

Aldi pay so perky

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PRICES may be small at budget grocer Aldi but its salaries are some of the biggest in the supermarket business.

The discount chain has just opened applications for its area manager programme, with starting pay of £50,000 per year.

There are 100 roles available on the year-long training scheme, which equips successful applicants with the skills they need to run a collection of stores. Additional benefits include a company car and private healthcare.

Salaries are expected to rise to £90,000 by the eighth year of ­working for the firm.

Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, said: “We’re on the hunt for bright, driven and hardworking individuals.”

Apply at aldirecruitment.co.uk/area-manager-programme.

JOBSPOT

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH needs staff in catering and operations. See www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/careers/.