The Drinks Trust launches hospitality hardship programme

The Drinks Trust has opened applications for its new vocational programme, Develop, the first hardship programme for the drinks hospitality industry.

The Trust has introduced its first initiative to alleviate long term hardship with a proactive funding and training programme that aims to deliver opportunities and skills to those within and looking to enter the industry.

Develop aims to help 750 beneficiaries in its first year of operation, with a variety of training and development options. These range from self-guided CV writing and interview skills workshops, to sector-specific CPD accredited training with top industry providers, including Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Institute of Brewing & Distilling, and Mixology and European Bartender School.

Ian Harris MBE, Chief Executive for the WSET, commented: “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 offers 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.”

Campari Group UK will be the Official Spirits Partner of the scheme, and Moët Hennessy UK will support as Official Champagne Partner.

Operator groups have been recruited to deliver training and job opportunities to Develop graduates, with Gaucho and M Restaurants and Vagabond Wines amongst the first groups to officially support the initiative.

Ross Carter, CEO from The Drinks Trust, welcomed the support of big names in the drinks industry. She said: “Since the announcement of the Develop initiative to the industry last year, The Drinks Trust has received funding and support from brands and operators who recognise the vital importance of the scheme for the welfare of the entire drinks hospitality industry and the many people living in hardship in the U.K.

“We are extremely grateful to Campari Group UK, Moët Hennessy UK, Vagabond Wines, M Restaurants and Gaucho for being the founding partners in our vocational initiative Develop and we are confident that together we can make Develop a core part of The Drinks Trust offering for many years to come.”

As the hospitality industry continues to suffer the effects of the pandemic and rising energy prices, businesses and staff are in need of support. Brad Madigan, Managing Director for Campari Group UK, said of the scheme: “we hope this investment will not only benefit the industry as a whole – but in particular to operator businesses who continue to struggle with staffing and skills shortages.”

Courses are available to anyone who has worked or is currently working in the drinks and hospitality industry or new entrants to the industry. Courses have varying eligibility criteria, which candidates can consider before applying. To apply to any Develop courses, visit https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/leading-skills-educational-providers