Twelve students celebrated completing the six-week training course with their families at a special ceremony at McPhabbs bar in Glasgow on Friday (9 December).

As part of their training the students undertook two weeks of work experience with some of the area’s top restaurants, hotels and bars including The Grand Central Hotel, Apex Hotel Glasgow, McPhabb’s, Lebowski’s (Kained Holdings), The Clutha Bar, The Piper Bar, The Pot Still Bar, The Imperial Bar and Katie’s Bar to gain vital on the job experience to further their knowledge of the industry.

The Diageo Learning for Life: Hospitality and Bartending Course was delivered by The Springboard Charity, Diageo’s specialist training partner.  The programme aims to give young unemployed people the chance to learn new skills to help improve their career prospects and open up new opportunities.

Since its launch in Glasgow in 2014, over 800 young people have graduated from the Diageo Learning for Life programmes across Scotland including most recently in Fife, Inverclyde, Paisley, Hamilton, Perth, Forth Valley, Edinburgh & the Lothians and have successfully secured permanent roles in the hospitality and bartending sectors with some securing management roles in the country’s leading hospitality venues.

Inga McVicar, National Programmes Manager Diageo Learning for Life & Special Projects, The Springboard Charity said:

“Over 75% of our Diageo Learning for Life students go into full-time work just 12 months after completing the programme. Our award winning training has a proven track record that ensures our graduates leave with the skills to secure sustainable employment.

“The course also benefits local employers in Glasgow who gain enthusiastic and skilled staff that are fully committed to a career in the hospitality sector. Our graduates are ready and willing to get working during this key period in the hospitality sector.”

Nicola Reid, Programme Manager, Diageo Learning for Life congratulated all the Renfrewshire graduates for their hard work and participation and said:

“The Diageo Learning for Life programme has provided a solid platform for rewarding careers and we’re so proud of all our graduates today. We’re excited to see them move forward with their new found skills and confidence.  The hospitality industry is thriving and offers excellent opportunities for young people with passion and drive which these graduates have in abundance.”

Diageo Learning for Life Graduate, Dylan Marshall, (21) from Glasgow said: “I have gained so much from this course including all the qualifications I need to start work behind a bar.  I’ve gained valuable experience, which I will take through my life, and I have made many new friends.  I also really enjoyed the work experience at the Imperial Bar and the day trip to Glenkinchie Distillery.  This course has changed my life forever.  I can now get my life on track to the way it should be - not unemployed. I hope that the future will see me as my own boss or a Manager.  It’s all thanks to Springboard and Diageo Learning for Life.”

The Diageo Learning for Life programme in Glasgow follows successful programmes throughout the UK, including most recently in Fife, Inverclyde, Paisley, Hamilton, Perth, Forth Valley, Edinburgh & the Lothians and Liverpool.

The course offers students real work experience in some of the area’s top establishments and produces a calibre of dedicated, confident and dependable employee that will be a benefit to any business in the hospitality industry.

Businesses in the Glasgow area looking to staff their establishments for the festive period or to get involved in the programme should contact Stewart Fotherington, Business Engagement Manager for The Springboard Charity on stewartf@springboarduk.org.uk or 07464546686.