High praise for one of Scotland’s leading employability schemes

The latest Glasgow cohort of Diageo’s award-winning ‘Learning for Life’ programme has been praised by Anas Sarwar MSP during his visit to hear about the life-changing benefits of the training scheme.

The Glasgow regional MSP visited the students following a cocktail masterclass session held at the Savings Bank on Monday (5 March) to see first-hand how the students are receiving practical training in preparation for a career in hospitality.

Commenting on his visit, Mr Sarwar said:

“It was inspiring to see the students in action and hear about their journeys, both before joining the Learning for Life programme and their experience on the course to date.

“Alternative routes onto the career ladder like this are crucial in helping our young people find a life-long profession. The structure of the Diageo’s Learning for Life programme not only provides graduates with a qualification; they also receive continual one-on-one mentorship and support, along with vital on-the-job experience which is particularly appealing to prospective employers today.”

The Diageo Learning for Life: Hospitality and Bartending programme is a six-week course encompassing four weeks of classroom style coaching followed by two weeks of live training experience in the workplace. The course includes industry recognised qualifications, Diageo specific training modules, industry visits and workshops on employability and soft skills.

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 the Scotland’s leading employability schemes.

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

“Young people in Scotland are full of passion and drive, and when combined with the qualifications and experience that we offer they have the best possible opportunity to secure long-term employment in the hospitality industry.

“The sector is thriving and there are excellent opportunities for young people. Offering a solid platform for training and development, the Diageo Learning for Life course provides students with the opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence.

“It was fantastic to welcome Mr Sarwar and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to further education and the hospitality sector.”

During his visit, Mr Sarwar spoke one-on-one to a number of students as they shared their journeys and experience of the course. The next stage of the programme for this Glasgow cohort is a two-week work experience placement in local establishments, ahead of their graduation on 13 March 2018.