The Sunderland micro brewery and training facility has an international reputation.

They’ve already trained some of the best in the business, including brewers from Tiny Rebel and Barcelona Beer Company.

Brewlab joint managing director Phil Douglas and training coordinator Richard Hunt. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Brewlab joint managing director Phil Douglas and training coordinator Richard Hunt. | Sunderland Echo

Now, Sunderland’s Brewlab has launched a new apprenticeship scheme for those looking for a career in the brewing industry.

From its base in Sunderland Enterprise Park, Brewlab supports the brewing, distilling and wider drinks industry and has earned a national and international reputation.

One of the only labs of its kind in the country, it carries out laboratory analysis for smaller brewers who don’t have such facilities - thus helping to increase the levels of consistency in beers across the UK.

As well as making its own beer sold at pubs such as The Ivy House and The Canny Lad and housing its own taproom, Brewlab teaches the art of brewing, with students coming from as far afield as Japan, the USA and India to learn the craft.

Now, they’ve teamed up with NC Group Limited, an Ofsted Outstanding-rated apprenticeship provider, to bring brewing apprenticeships to the area.

The Level 4 Brewing apprenticeship will include hands on practical learning in the onsite brewery and a chance to work in a functioning Brewing Quality Control laboratory under the guidance of expert tutors.

Brewlab also has its own micro brewery and taproom | Sunderland Echo

The team at Brewlab says the apprenticeship is ideal for brewery operatives and those new to brewing wanting to expand their practical and theoretical knowledge to become a competent brewer.

The training is also a gateway to the Charted Institute of Brewers & Distillers Diploma in Brewing.

“Brewlab has always prided itself on providing an excellent standard of training to brewing students from all over the world.

“Our partnership with NC Group Limited allows us to offer this industry-leading training to breweries wishing to recruit new apprentices or to upskill existing staff,” said Phil Douglas, Managing Director at Brewlab.

Ian Nelson Co-CEO of NC Group Limited said: “Really excited to announce the next chapter in our apprenticeship journey as we move into Brewing Apprenticeships alongside our new subcontractor partner.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring our high quality apprenticeship training into the brewing industry, supporting businesses to develop the next generation of skilled talent while creating meaningful career pathways for apprentices.

“We’re proud to be expanding our offer into such a specialist and exciting sector, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our new partner to make this a real success. Big things ahead.”

You can find out more about the apprenticeships at brewlab.co.uk/apprenticeships