The academy will be based in Glasgow at the company's Wellpark Brewery and a derelict building has been newly converted to include a bar, beer cellar and kitchen in order to enable training in everything from bar work to management.

Managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries Mike Lees said: "The facility is for people who want to know everything like how you pour beer or prepare food or the business aspects of running a pub."

Scotland's on-trade had had a "very challenging" few years and the firm was "committed to doing what we can to provide positive support and investment in our shared future", he added.

Courses will be provided for people across the industry in areas ranging from customer service, mixology, wine and spirits, cellar management, door security, health and safety and business management.

The industrial-sized kitchen will also host courses for hospitality staff wanting to boost their cooking skills. Martin Teplitzky, head chef and lecturer, said: "For young chefs, the value will be very much in learning a few skills because a lot of them aren't getting these skills in their training. Perhaps they go straight into kitchens at a young age and this will give them an opportunity to pick these things up and make it a bit more interesting for them."

In news elsewhere, the Institute for Learning has released an Apple iPhone application called Reflect to enable teachers and trainers to plan, record and assess the impact of continuing professional development on their practice during those times when they do not have access to a computer.