WSET is proud to partner with Campari Group UK, Springboard, Be Inclusive Hospitality and Turtle Bay Restaurants to launch the Joy Spence Hospitality Programme.
The Joy Spence Hospitality Programme is a diverse and inclusive six-week training academy, designed to help individuals in the UK secure a long-term and fulfilling career in hospitality.
In the words of Appleton Estate’s Joy Spence, the programme’s patron:
“I am extremely proud to be a Jamaican woman and the first female master blender in the spirits industry. Like many, I have had to deal with the challenges throughout my career – as a female in a historically male-dominated industry and as well as a woman of colour. Over the years, I have learned to stand firm and prove that my capabilities and talents are equal to my peers while bringing my Jamaican passion, pride and determination to the forefront on the path to my success."
She added: “Enabling others from under-represented groups to have access to equal opportunities is something very close to my heart, which is why I am honoured to be the patron for the Joy Spence Hospitality Programme. I believe that the unique elements we have built into the initiative – including qualifications and education, as well as the critically valuable employment at the end of the course – will help candidates accelerate their career and long-term success. I wish every individual the best of luck on their journey with us and look forward to working on the Joy Spence Hospitality Programme for years to come.”
The WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Spirits will form part of a rich programme of skills building, including Personal Licence & World Host qualifications, bar service and cocktail training, brand training, CV skills and interview training, mindfulness workshops, health & safety training and more.
Liam Scandrett, WSET’s Business Development Manager for Spirits (UK), said:
“We are thrilled to be supporting the Joy Spence Hospitality Programme with the WSET Level 1 and 2 Award in Spirits qualifications and look forward to working with every individual on the programme to help them move up through our fantastic industry.”
The programme concludes with a guaranteed interview for a 12-month contract with Turtle Bay, the UK’s leading Caribbean restaurant and bar chain. Participants will also have access to ongoing mentorship, with year-round training and support provided to both mentors and mentees.
The Joy Spence Hospitality Programme begins on Monday 28 June 2021 is currently open for applications. Recruitment is being managed by Springboard, the charity dedicated to futureproofing the hospitality industry’s talent pipeline. The programme is primarily aimed at those who are currently unemployed, aged 18-30 and living in Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Leamington Spa, Nottingham or Solihull.
No previous experience is necessary, but applicants must be able to commit to a six-week face-to-face and digital learning programme, willing to take part in a one-week work placement with a prospective employer and be excited by and interested in providing excellent hospitality service.
If this programme sounds right for you or someone you know, please click here to register your interest today.
Find out more about the Level 2 Award in Spirits. For individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs, you’ll learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. Click here.
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- WSET Americas partners with Moët Hennessy to offer spirits courses to hospitality professionals from the LBTQIA+ community
- WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
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