
Scottish graduates from Diageo’s award-winning Learning for Life hospitality programme travelled from Glasgow to London this week to deliver an authentic Burns Night experience for The UK Government’s Scotland Office.
The Burns Connections Reception in Whitehall’s Dover House welcomed 160 guests, including Secretary of State Ian Murray and Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill, with high-quality drams and haggis aplenty, and a celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.
The Learning for Life programme was launched in Scotland in 2014 to tackle youth unemployment by equipping individuals with the skills and resources needed for a career in hospitality.
In partnership with Springboard, Diageo has invested £1 million annually in the programme over the past decade, supporting over 2000 people in Scotland and more than 7000 across the UK, with 83% of graduates moving into sustained employment and 90% ‘reaching positive destinations’.
Four Scottish graduates of the programme showcased their gained skills at the high-profile Burns event. From preparing drinks to serving guests, they worked alongside professional bartenders supported by Barnomadics, adding a touch of Scotland to London while helping them build their confidence and expand their resumes.
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.”
Having joined Learning for Life during Covid after facing barriers to employment, Gary is now thriving in a hospitality career while pursuing his passion for performing arts.
Diageo’s Learning for Life programme manager, Gillian Dalziel, 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.”