NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Skills for Life: Rethinking Apprenticeships in the Drinks Industry

This National Apprenticeship Week, LWC is highlighting the role apprenticeships play in building skills for life across the drinks and hospitality supply chain, and challenging the misconception that they’re only for those at the very start of their careers.

In drinks wholesale and distribution, roles are varied, fast-paced and constantly evolving. From logistics and warehouse operations to sales, customer service, marketing and leadership roles, having the right skills at the right time is essential.

Apprenticeships offer a practical, structured way to develop those skills while continuing to do the day job.

For many people, apprenticeships are still closely associated with school-leavers or entry-level roles. While they remain an important route into the industry, that perception doesn’t reflect the reality of modern apprenticeship programmes. Today, apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, including higher-level programmes akin to university courses, supporting development at any age and any stage of a career.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we brought those experiences to life by hosting an online panel discussion featuring colleagues currently undertaking apprenticeships from across the business. The panel shared honest reflections on why they chose to undertake an apprenticeship, how it fits alongside their role, and the impact it’s had on their development. By showcasing different roles, levels of seniority and career stages, the session was designed to help demystify what apprenticeships really involve and who they’re for.

By being open about how apprenticeships work in practice – including the levels available, the commitment involved and the support provided – we aimed to challenge outdated assumptions and encourage a broader view of what apprenticeships can offer.

Through National Apprenticeship Week and beyond, LWC continues to focus on opening up conversations around learning and development, helping people see apprenticeships as a credible, flexible route to long-term skills development, not just a starting point, but an ongoing investment.

Investing in apprenticeships means investing in people and in the future of the drinks industry. At LWC, skills for life are about continuous development, practical learning and creating opportunities that last, whatever stage of a career someone is at.