Four Scottish graduates from Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality programme travelled to Dover House in Whitehall to deliver a Burns Night experience for The UK Government’s Scotland Office this week.
The Burns Connections Reception welcomed 160 guests, including Secretary of State Ian Murray and Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill, for an evening of culture, hospitality, and a celebration of Scotland’s national poet.
The festivities saw the graduates working alongside professional bartenders at the event, where they were able to showcase the skills they have gained through training and on-the-job experience, from preparing drinks to serving guests, while also helping them to build their confidence and expand their cv’s.
Launched in Scotland in 2014 to tackle youth unemployment, Diageo has invested £1 million annually in the Learning for Life programme over the past decade, supporting over 2,000 people in Scotland and more than 7,000 across the UK, with 83% of graduates moving into sustained employment and 90% reaching positive destinations.
Graduate Gary Graham from Glasgow, said, “Being part of this Burns Supper in London was an unforgettable experience. It’s incredible to see how far I’ve come since joining the programme, and I’m proud to bring a bit of Scotland to such a special evening.”
Gillian Dalziel, Diageo’s Learning for Life Programme Manager, said, “Our graduates brought not only a true sense of Scotland to the heart of London but also a remarkable level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and skill. They demonstrated exactly why Learning for Life is so impactful – it’s about more than training; it’s about empowering individuals to thrive and exceed expectations. I couldn’t be prouder of how they represented both themselves and the programme.”