Heineken Ahhh-cademy returns for third year
This October, the Heineken Ahhh-cademy will return for its third year, continuing its commitment to developing skills and supporting pub teams across Ireland’s On-Trade industry in delivering high-quality customer experiences.
Bar staff will participate in practical sessions covering quality serves, glass care, troubleshooting and customer experience fundamentals
Since launching in 2024, the programme has invested more than €3 million over three years and trained over 4,000 bar staff nationwide, reflecting a simple belief that great customer experiences start with knowledgeable, confident and engaged teams.
Commenting on the return of the programme, Jason Cox, On-Trade commercial director at Heineken Ireland, said: “The hospitality industry continues to evolve at pace, with consumer expectations higher than ever before.
“We believe one of the most important investments any business can make is in its people.
“Since launching the Ahhh-cademy in 2024, we have seen a huge appetite for practical, relevant training that helps pub teams build confidence, deliver quality experiences and adapt to changing consumer needs.
“Shaped by participant feedback and industry insights, the 2026 programme has been enhanced to better reflect the realities of today’s pub and bar environment.”
Taking place across Dublin, Cork and Galway, the Heineken Ahhh-cademy will offer dedicated learning pathways for different roles within the industry.
Bar staff will participate in practical sessions covering quality serves, glass care, troubleshooting and customer experience fundamentals.
New for 2026 is a dedicated manager and trainer pathway focused on consumer insights, team development, customer experience, operational excellence and social media, recognising the important role leaders play in developing teams and maintaining standards in the pub.
The programme is also supported by enhanced digital resources, providing practical guidance and ongoing support throughout the year.
Behind every great pint and memorable visit is a team that brings the experience to life.
The Heineken Ahhh-cademy exists to support those people, helping equip the next generation of hospitality talent with the skills and confidence to succeed.
