WSET is delighted to be joining Develop, The Drinks Trust’s vocational hardship initiative, as an Educational Partner.
Officially launched on 22 February 2022, Develop aims to combat the significant shortage of skilled staff in the UK drinks and hospitality industries due to multiple lockdowns, Brexit, a lack of new entrants, and a national talent drain.
The initiative intends both to help lift people out of long-term hardship and to grow the UK drinks and hospitality workforce by offering people access to industry-relevant courses across mixology, bartending, cider making, brewing, cellar management and wine and spirits training.
Individuals can currently apply to study the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines or the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits through Develop. Courses will be available through WSET School London, in-person and online.
Ross Carter, Chief Executive of The Drinks Trust said:
“Since the presentation of our new brand and its improved offering in March 2020, The Drinks Trust set out plans to provide new services across both wellbeing and vocational hardship. In 2021 we delivered on our objective of adding new wellbeing services to our Restore offering, and over the last few months, the Trust has been working to deliver on its commitment, to launch its vocational hardship programme, Develop. Develop comes at a time when the industry is in urgent need of new, skilled entrants. We are proud and grateful that our long-standing Partner, and supporter, WSET, has agreed to launch this very ambitious scheme aimed at training the next generation of the drinks hospitality industry.”
Ian Harris, Chief Executive of WSET said:
“As an educational charity, WSET is dedicated to supporting the drinks industry through best-in-class qualifications. We believe that quality skills-based training has the power to enhance workplace confidence, improve job satisfaction, accelerate career development and make drinks and hospitality businesses stronger.
Develop is offering a fresh, industry-wide approach to upskilling the workforce of the future, and we are thrilled to be joining the initiative as an Educational Provider.”
Applications are open to UK residents over the age of 18 and applications will go through a financial assessment process to determine eligibility. No prior work experience is needed, but applicants will be asked to provide up to 300 words explaining how the course will help them with their career goals.
Applications will be handled directly by The Drinks Trust. If you would like to apply for this opportunity, you can do so here today.
Want to join us in supporting Develop?
If your business wants to play a role in upskilling the UK’s future workforce and offering opportunities for people facing financial hardship, The Drinks Trust fundraising team is available to discuss how you can get involved. They can be reached at partnerships@drinkstrust.org.uk.
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