Eleven graduates from the Diageo Learning for Life Hospitality and Bartender Course have been presented with HIT Scotland Scholarship Awards at the recent HIT Emerging Talent conference in Edinburgh. The conference, which identifies and supports the best of Scottish hospitality talent, offers scholars the opportunity to enhance their skills through a special work placement at world class venues including the likes of Buckingham Palace, Disney World, Florida and Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire.
Diageo’s, Learning for Life Hospitality and Bartending course, is part of a global initiative which helps young unemployed adults into employment through practical training, work experience and the development of life skills such as cv writing, time management and communication.
More than 250 participants graduated from 14 Learning for Life courses in 2014 and Diageo with its training partner, Springboard UK, are set to expand the programmes into more Scottish locations this year.
Rhian Elliot, a Scholar who graduated from a Stirlingshire Learning for Life course said, “The Diageo, Learning for Life Hospitality Course has given me the opportunity to not only develop my practical skills but has also boosted my confidence. The HITS scholarship is the icing on the cake and I’m looking forward to a career in the industry.”
Mark Baird, Head of Alcohol in Society for Diageo GB said, “All of our HIT Scotland Scholarship winners have really shown outstanding dedication and an appetite to make a successful career in Hospitality and Bartending. The 11 that were chosen should be an inspiration for our next Learning for Life participants.”
Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT Scotland) is a Scottish based charity whose mission is to assist people to achieve their potential within Scottish hospitality.
David Cochrane Chief Executive HIT Scotland said, “HIT Scotland is delighted with the high calibre of award winners from the Diageo, Learning for Life programme – I’m sure that they will all forge first class careers in the hospitality sector.”