A 20-year-old from Nelson has been given the chance to brew Welsh beers that are sold in more than 20 countries worldwide.
Christian Ebeling, who has carried on a family tradition of beer brewing, is now an assistant brewer after securing an apprenticeship with brewery The Celt Experience, based on Caerphily’s Pontygwindy Industrial Estate.
After leaving sixth form in Bargoed at 17, Christian successfully completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in ‘Performing Manufacturing Operations’ at the brewery. Since then, he has been so successful that he was recently a finalist in the ‘apprentice of the year’ category at this year’s Caerphilly Business Forum Awards, an award that recognises outstanding achievement in the workplace.
Christian applied for an apprenticeship as a packaging technician and assistant brewer after deciding not to continue with his A Levels.
As part of his apprenticeship, managed by skills provider Itec Skills and Employment, Christian is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the main bottling line as well as overseeing the bottling operation.
Christian now knows how to brew more than 30 beers that the brewery produces and works alongside the head brewer in all stages of brewing, from mashing the grain right through to the fermentation process.
He said: “My apprenticeship has been brilliant and I’ve particularly liked overcoming the day-to-day challenges. The job has given me responsibility and confidence both in and out of the workplace, and it’s a great experience for future employment because of the transferable skills I’ve learned too.
“It was such a shock to be nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award at the Caerphilly Business Forum as I was just trying to give my all every day and never expected to be put forward for an award. Members of my family worked in brewing, so when I came across this job it seemed like the obvious choice for me. I’m so glad that I went for it because I have learnt loads and grown immensely as a person. It’s taught me life skills that will benefit me both at work and personally and, most importantly, it has taken me from school to the real world.”
Becky Newman, a director at The Celt Experience, is impressed with the way Christian has developed since taking on the role.
She said: “Christian has done really well and has been committed from the start. His nomination is clear proof of this and he’s showing signs of promise to move into production management eventually.
“The apprenticeship, delivered by Itec, has given Christian a real structure to his learning and development. For example, if there is a module on the transferring of products, his supervisor will identify an activity within his role that demonstrates that skill.”
This seems eminently sensible. He’s now on his way to a trade which he can build on rather than debt.