WSET are pleased to announce that the Develop initiative, established to combat the significant shortage of skilled staff in the drinks and hospitality industries, is now more readily available across the UK.
Develop is the latest service created by The Drinks Trust, it was created to provide resources, bursaries and access to fully funded training with internationally recognised providers.
When first launched, wine and spirits courses were available through WSET School London, in-person and online. Now, with the support of our UK-based Approved Programme Providers, individuals experiencing hardship and seeking a new and rewarding role in drinks hospitality have access to WSET qualifications throughout our network of UK course providers.
The application criteria have also been streamlined to make it easier for applicants. Candidates that meet the following criteria can access fully funded WSET qualifications:
- Must be 18 or over
- Must be a resident of the UK with an NI number
- Must have a UK bank account
- Must be earning less than £26k a year or have less than £2000 in your bank account
- Must be able to provide up to 300 words about why this course will help their career
- No prior work experience needed
Since April, the Drinks Trust are proud to report that 482 people have been supported by the initiative.
Adam took the Level 1 Award in Spirits through the Develop initiative and he commented: "Having been in the drinks industry for over 11 years in various roles, I was keen to learn more about different areas of the trade and in particular various alcohol types, how they are stored, distributed, and created etc. I was fortunate enough to be supported by The Drinks Trust via the Develop programme to take the Level 1 Award in Spirits.
"The course was great, very thorough without being time-consuming so I could balance my work schedule alongside my new study. My educator was very knowledgeable and struck up a great rapport with the group from the start. Without the support of The Drinks Trust, I would not be able to take on this course and qualification, which I now have on my CV for life!"
The following qualifications are available for funding via Develop:
Click here to learn more about the Develop service and apply for funding.
Related content:
- WSET partners with Develop, the vocational hardship initiative by The Drinks Trust
- WSET launches TikTok channel
- WSET education available in more countries than ever
