On National Apprenticeship Week, 20-year-old Ethan Salt is using his voice to encourage young people to explore non-traditional apprenticeships – like beer making.
9th February 2026…// He says he’s keen to share his enthusiasm for the craft and thinks it’s vital that people have an open mind towards education.
Ethan, from Clitheroe, works for Thwaites, and is completing a level four ‘brewer apprenticeship’ there.
Ethan said: “There can be so much noise when you leave school or college about getting into a career, and it can be quite overwhelming. I want to be an example of how amazing and fulfilling it can be to do something different.”
Ethan’s apprenticeship sees him attend Nottingham University alongside his job at Thwaites, where he studies 12 elements of brewing – including topics like regulations, packaging, raw materials, and environmental sustainability to name a few. For the other part of his qualification, he’s based onsite at Thwaites Brewery in Mellor Brook – which is also home to Thwaites’ head office and famous shire horses.
Ethan added: “As part of my apprenticeship, I’ve developed my own beer recipe, named Bright Start. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that my beer will be available for the public to drink in Thwaites pubs, hotels and inns across England – it’s such a unique achievement and one I’m really proud of.
“Brewing is a huge part of our heritage and culture in this country, and I want to keep it alive by inspiring people to take the leap into something different. If you’re considering a career in hospitality or brewing, I would go down the apprenticeship route. There are so many courses out there that can take you anywhere, so just go for it!”
Running from 9 February to 15 February, National Apprenticeship Week shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Mark O’Sullivan, head brewer at Thwaites, said: “We’ve been so excited by Ethan’s achievements, he’s a great asset to the team. We’ve also just hired a second apprentice brewer, and we can’t wait to see the fresh outlook and success both our young brewers bring.”
Over the last five years, Thwaites has enrolled 149 apprentices over 30 different qualifications. The company currently has 54 apprentices in a wide variety of fields including cheffing, spa and hospitality supervisory courses.
From its origins as a regional brewer with just 10 public houses, Thwaites has evolved into a collection of over 223 award-winning pubs, hotels and spas, and inns spanning England.
Those looking to explore careers or apprenticeships in hospitality at Thwaites can find information here.
