Leading employability programme relaunches in Dundee

One of Scotland’s leading hospitality employability schemes is relaunching in Dundee later this month, offering young people in the area the chance to gain the skills and qualifications needed for a successful career in the industry.

Starting on 30 April 2018, the Diageo Learning for Life course offers students six weeks of practical coaching and employability training, including industry certified qualifications on completion of the course. Students also get the chance to gain vital on-the-job experience through an invaluable work placement with some of the City of Discovery’s leading businesses.

Young unemployed people from Dundee and Tayside are being encouraged to sign up for the award-winning training programme, which is open to those aged 18-28. 

Gillian Dalziel, Programme Manager, Diageo Learning for Life, Great Britain, commented:

“Young people in Scotland are full of passion and drive, and when combined with their new qualifications and experience, our students have the best possible opportunity to secure long-term employment in the hospitality industry. The Learning for Life course provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and build confidence.

“The sector is thriving as is Dundee, with the anticipated opening of the V&A and recent Tay Cities Deal, so now is the perfect time for us to return to the area.”

Since its launch in 2014, more than 1,000 unemployed people have graduated from the Diageo Learning for Life programme, with 81% of graduates going on to further training or employment and 78% securing long-term employment – making it one of Scotland’s most successful training schemes.

The course is delivered by The Springboard Charity, Diageo’s specialist training partner. Elaine Muir, Programme Manager for The Springboard Charity in Dundee, added: “This course is a fantastic opportunity for young people looking to develop their future prospects and embark on a new career in hospitality.

“We receive a fantastic level of support from local employers, in terms of work placements and study trips, and we find this added level of encouragement and support is of real benefit to young people.”

Recent courses completed by young people in Ayrshire, Forth Valley and Glasgow have seen a number of graduates already securing employment in the industry. Commenting on the Glasgow course which ran in March, graduate Erin Shields (22) from Cumbernauld added: “Before I started the programme I had participated in several other courses, none of which gave me the skills or qualifications that Diageo Learning for Life has. I have learnt a great deal from the training, which has given me the kick-start to move forward with the managerial career I have always dreamed of.”

Diageo Learning for Life was operational in Dundee from 2014-2016, and during its time enabled 53 young people in the area to progress with hospitality careers by opening the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities. The first course held in the area in 2014 was designed to provide students with initial employment at the Ryder Cup.

The Diageo Learning for Life course in Dundee begins on Monday 30 April. For more information email Fiona Bingham.