Training body the Beer Academy has accredited more than 50 beer stewards in the first three months since the launch of the e-learning qualification.
Training body the Beer Academy has accredited more than 50 beer stewards in the first three months since the launch of the e-learning qualification.
It hopes that the numbers from the on-trade signing up for the entry-level course will see over 200 people earn the beer steward status by the end of 2015.
The programme is designed to equip front-of-house staff with practical beer knowledge early in their careers.
The course can be taking abroad and the first 50 to complete it come from 11 countries including the UK.
They include Hannah and Jack Limond, co-owners of The White Horse in Clun, Shropshire, who are now putting eight other members of the pub's team through the course.
Hannah Limond: says: "It's definitely the right course for us. As well as covering how to serve beer properly, unlike some other courses we looked at it also covers how beer is made and some of the history and background.
"It's always very useful to have some knowledge about the product you're selling. Many of our customers take a real interest in the ales, and it's great to be able to talk to them confidently about our beer."
Alex Barlow, Beer Academy director of training, said: "Training is one of the biggest challenges facing operators as consumer expectations of both beer range and quality are increasing.
"Bar staff increasingly need to be up-to-speed quickly, and the take-up of the beer steward qualification shows the benefits of e-learning as a quick and convenient way to equip staff with the basics.
"The beer steward also dovetails with the next step on our ladder of qualifications, the beer foundation course, enabling staff who develop an interest to continue their training."