BBPA Academy - Hospitality Industry Graduate Scheme - Star Pubs

Job Description

BBPA Academy - two-year hospitality industry graduate scheme


The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) Academy is a two-year pubs and brewing industry graduate development programme consisting of four separate six-month modules delivered by some of the UK’s leading operators of breweries, pubs, and restaurants, providing graduates with a wide range of experience within this fast-paced, innovative and dynamic industry.

Each module includes on-the-job work experience, technical skills and training, development workshops, seminars, and a formal review session. Graduates will rotate around the company's departments to develop their skills. Areas within the modules can include brewing, operations, finance, people management, marketing and sustainability.

The graduate scheme has been developed by the British Beer and Pub Association and is offered by a number of national and regional brewers and pub companies. Participating companies include us Star Pubs, Molson Coors Brewing Company UK, Greene King, Admiral Taverns, McMullen, Everards, Hall & Woodhouse, Adnams, Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, Robinsons Brewery & Pubs, Daniels Thwaites, and St. Austell Brewery. Graduates will be able to specify their company preference.

The full-time two-year programme will commence in September 2026. Applications are welcomed from final-year undergraduates, graduates within the last two years and degree apprentices. No specific degree discipline or final grade is required. Experience in hospitality, retail or other people-facing jobs is advantageous but not mandatory.

Successful candidates will be offered a two-year fixed-term contract, a competitive salary (circa £30,000), 35 days holiday, plus benefits.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11 January 2026. Final interviews and assessment centres will take place during March 2026.

For the information pack, email the Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@heineken.co.uk

If you have any questions, please contact graduates@beerandpub.com


How to Apply & the Selection Process

• Application Submission:

• • Upload your CV and cover letter through our application portal. Application period closes on Sunday 11th January 2026.

• Online Assessments:

• • Once you’ve applied online and the team have reviewed your application, if successful you’ll be invited to take an online assessment.

• Interviews:

• • Upon completing the online assessments, we will be in touch to let you know if your application has been successful. You will then be invited for a telephone interview with one of our Talent Acquisition team. We’re aiming to hold these around 12th – 24th Jan 2026

• Assessment Centre

• • Then it’s time for the in-person assessment centre, where you will participate in various activities and evaluations. We’re planning this for 1mid – late March 2026.

Application tips:

• Include a cover letter with your application

• List the modules you studied on your CV. We want to understand what you've learned and where you've focused your efforts during your degree

• We know AI tools are part of daily life. You're welcome to use them with care but keep your cover letter and CV authentic. Let your own voice come through

Why Join Us?
At Star Pubs, part of the global Heineken family, we believe in investing in our people and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. This is a role where you can really make a difference, to both the business and the communities we serve. If you’re looking for a challenge and an opportunity to take your career to the next level, then we want to hear from you.

Then this could be the role for you!

The Good Stuff!
In addition to your base salary, you’ll also receive:

• Annual bonus

• Company-funded Private Medical Healthcare

• Double-matched pension contributions (up to 10%)

• 35 days holiday

• A quarterly product allowance to purchase our delicious ciders and beers (low and n alcohol options available)!

• Exciting opportunities to develop your career.

You’ll also get the opportunity to get involved with one of our colleague networks, where groups of colleagues from all over the business work together to ensure we’re always working towards being a diverse and inclusive company.

The Application
If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply as soon as possible. We may close vacancies early when we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!

If you need any adjustments made to support your application, for example, if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues, then we’re more than happy to review our processes – please feel free to get in touch with us at recruitment@heineken.co.uk

Who We Are
Star Pubs is part of HEINEKEN UK. The vast majority of our 2,400 pubs are leased out to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Around 200 pubs operate on our Just Add Talent model (a managed operator agreement). Our ambition is to bring out the best in the great British pub – by attracting and retaining the best operators, investing to create great pubs at the heart of their communities and providing licensees with market-leading insight and support.

Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped