Brewers' Lectures Bring Brewing to the Classroom

The Brewers’ Company continued its commitment to education and careers outreach with the 2026 Brewers’ Lectures delivered to Year 12 students at Aldenham and Dame Alice Owen’s Schools in February.

The lectures were given by the Master, Fergus McMullen, supported by Alison Ibrahim, Training Manager at McMullen & Sons, and introduced students to the amazing breadth of opportunities available within the brewing, pub and wider hospitality industries.

Across both schools, students gained an engaging overview of the modern brewing sector, combining history, economics and practical knowledge with a strong focus on future careers. The sessions highlighted the industry’s role as a major UK employer, its local economic impact, and the wide range of pathways open to young people entering the workforce.

Drawing on McMullen & Sons’ 200‑year history, the speakers traced the development of a family‑owned brewery from its Hertford origins in 1827 to a contemporary business operating across brewing and hospitality.

A key theme of the lectures was accessibility and progression. Students learned about roles across brewing, pubs and hospitality, from operational and technical positions to management and training. Particular emphasis was placed on apprenticeships, structured development programmes and the transferable skills gained within the sector, many of which can be developed alongside further education.

The lectures also covered the fundamentals of brewing, introducing the four core ingredients and the stages of the brewing process, helping students understand how science, craftsmanship and creativity combine within the trade. Each session concluded with a guided tasting of three McMullen beers, allowing students to connect theory with experience and encouraging thoughtful questions and discussion.

The Brewers’ Company is grateful to Aldenham School and Dame Alice Owen’s School for their continued support of the lectures, and to the Master and his team for sharing their expertise so generously. Through initiatives such as the Brewers’ Lectures, the Company remains committed to promoting education, skills and awareness of the brewing and hospitality industries, supporting young people as they consider their future careers.