Apprenticeship to address pub industry's crippling staff shortages

Nine out of 10 hospitality businesses have problems recruiting staff, with many employers linking the shortage to a lack of training

First-year Vintners’ Federation of Ireland bar manager apprentice Emma Hanley, centre, with fellow apprentices Dylan Naughton, Cathal Callinan, Callan Cummins, and Shane O'Keefe, ahead of the launch of the three-year degree programme at The Old Quarter pub in Limerick City. Picture: Eamon Ward.

An apprenticeship in bar management has been launched to address the critical shortage of hospitality staff in Ireland.

The three-year degree course is the country's first and is backed by State and employer funding. It will be available through Griffith College in Limerick, Cork, and Dublin.