The Drinks Trust reopens WSET bursary
The reinstatement of the scheme, which provides fully-funded training for drinks sector employees, comes as the hospitality industry grapples with recruitment and retention issues, with recent data revealing more than 80,000 vacancies across hospitality roles.
The Drinks Trust has reopened the WSET bursary to support professional development in the drinks industry.
Now in its third year, the DEVELOP programme provides fully-funded training and educational courses to individuals currently working, or aspiring to work, in the drinks sector.
As part of this initiative, The Drinks Trust has renewed its partnership with WSET to offer a number of bursaries that will allow candidates to gain qualifications in wine, spirits, sake and, mostly recently, the beer course, which was launched in 2024.
‘Education must be open to everyone’
Nicky Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “Our mission is to create a thriving drinks industry. By reopening the WSET Bursary, we are helping to level the playing field and ensure that opportunities for learning, growth and success are accessible to all, regardless of background or financial circumstance.
“In an industry that relies on talent, knowledge, and passion, education must be open to everyone.”
Partner Content
The relaunch of the scheme comes as the sector battles recruitment and retention challenges, with latest figures showing more than 80,000 vacancies across hospitality roles.
Access to professional development remains a significant barrier, particularly for those facing financial hardship, career disruption, or entering the industry from underrepresented backgrounds. In the academic year 2024 to 2025, 173 students received WSET Bursary to support the cost of their education.
Supporting the sector
Nearly a quarter (21%) of drinks and hospitality businesses report that their existing staff lack essential skills, 6% higher than the national average in all other UK industries. This skills gap is in large part caused by high levels of labour turnover, which costs the sector £274m annually.
Since its launch, the DEVELOP programme has supported over 2,500 individuals with training, including bartenders, sommeliers and production professionals, with the drinks business editor, Patrick Schmitt, previously praising WSET as “the UK’s greatest gift to the world of wine”.
The WSET bursaries are open to those who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a genuine interest in furthering their education and career in the drinks industry.
Applications are now open and will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Related news
Capstone California launched as the first dedicated California wine education program
Luciérnaga wine brand supports educational project for vulnerable children
Interactive wine education platform Vivant launches this December
