BII launches shared training scheme

THE BII has urged pub companies to share resources to make sure new licensees are properly trained before taking on a pub.

Speaking at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) Key Issues Forum, John Melia, BII client development director said: "We have found a lack of appropriate training across the industry. We can't be putting people in pubs, especially in the current climate, without the appropriate training."

Speaking at Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, Melia announced the launch of the BII Shared Training Resources network in the north west, with the first batch of candidates about to start the course.

The five-day training programme consists of a three-day introduction to licensed retail operations, cellar management training and an optional National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) course.

Breweries and pubcos including Daniel Thwaites, J W Lees, Hydes, Robinsons, Joseph Holt and Mitchell's have already signed up to the scheme, which the BII hopes can be taken on nationally.

Melia said there was a need for pubcos to pool their training, as many courses are often cancelled due to under-attendance by licensees unable to sit courses on specific dates.

It is hoped the new scheme will allow greater flexibility for licensees and provide a training solution for pubcos who do not currently offer training.

"This is the most blinding flash of the obvious we have come across. There's never been a more important time to offer this training to give licensees a better chance of surviving," he said.