What to expect in a Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship: A year in the life

Starting a Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship is like jumping into the spotlight of a high-energy performance! 

From the moment you step in, you’ll be part of a buzzing, fast-paced world, where every drink you serve and plate you deliver is part of the show. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what your first year could look like as you dive into the exciting world of hospitality and get the hang of all the fun action.

Your first day as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice: A warm welcome

Your first day is a mix of excitement and nerves. You’ll walk into the venue, greeted by the hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the friendly smiles of your new team. After introductions, you’ll likely be shown around the venue—the bar, the dining area, and the behind-the-scenes spaces like the cellar and kitchen.

You’ll get a crash course in essential policies, safety procedures, and the basics of customer interaction. It’s a lot to take in, but don’t worry—nobody expects you to remember it all right away. Just focus on soaking up the atmosphere and asking lots of questions.

Your first week as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice: Getting into the flow

By the end of your first week, you’ll start finding your rhythm. You’ll spend time shadowing experienced team members, observing how they handle orders, communicate with customers, and keep everything running smoothly.

You might be tasked with some entry-level responsibilities like setting tables, restocking the bar, or greeting guests. It’s also a great time to learn about the menu—not just the food and drinks, but how to talk about them in a way that excites customers. By the end of the week, you’ll feel like a small but essential cog in the team machine.

Your first month as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice: Building confidence

As you settle into your role, you’ll become more comfortable with the pace and expectations of the job. This is the time to hone your customer service skills. Whether it’s recommending a wine pairing, mixing a cocktail, or addressing a customer concern, you’ll start to feel more confident in your interactions.

You’ll also become familiar with the back-of-house operations—everything from managing stock to understanding how the kitchen and front-of-house teams coordinate. By now, you’ve probably made a few mistakes, but that’s part of the learning process. Keep a positive attitude and use each slip-up as an opportunity to grow.

Your first six months as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice: Mastering the hustle

By six months, you’re in the groove. You’ve handled busy shifts, tricky customers, and the occasional spillage with growing ease. 

As you gain experience, your mentor may start giving you more responsibilities, like managing a section of the dining area or handling more complex drink orders.

This is also when you’ll start to see the importance of teamwork. Whether it’s supporting a colleague during a rush or stepping in to solve a problem, you’ll understand that a successful shift is a group effort. 

You might even be mentoring newer apprentices yourself, passing on what you’ve learned.

Your first year as a Bar and Waiting Apprentice: Reflecting and reaching higher

As your first year comes to an end, you’ll look back and marvel at how much you’ve accomplished. From fumbling with your first drink order to confidently handling a packed bar, you’ve come a long way.

Your achievements might include learning to manage a shift, building regular customer relationships, or mastering a new skill like latte art or advanced cocktail-making. 

You’ve grown not just in your career and role but also as a person, developing resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for hospitality.

Kickstart your career in hospitality with an M&B Apprenticeship 

A Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship isn’t just about serving food and drinks; it’s about creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the door. 

The skills you’ve gained—communication, teamwork, and a strong work ethic—are invaluable.

Your first year is just the start. Whether you dream of managing your own venue, crafting the perfect cocktail, or delivering exceptional service, the foundation you’ve built will take you far. 

So, apply to our Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship today!