Diageo’s hospitality training programme, Learning for Life, celebrated the achievements of its latest 13 graduates yesterday at a special ceremony hosted at Edinburgh’s Johnnie Walker Experience.
The event was attended by Scotland’s Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Ben Macpherson MSP, who congratulated the LfL graduates as they took their next steps into careers across Scotland’s hospitality sector.
Now in its eleventh year, Learning for Life, delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard, provides skills, training and employability support for people facing barriers to work.
The programme supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are unemployed, changing career, or looking to build new skills and confidence.
Macpherson said: “It was a pleasure to attend the graduation ceremony for Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, and to meet so many talented people who will be part of the future of our remarkable hospitality sector.
“Tourism and hospitality are significant parts of Scotland’s economy, and programmes like this highlight the opportunities for great careers in this area, as well as the industry’s commitment to developing its people, providing opportunities for those facing barriers to education and employment, and strengthening the skills base.
“I know from my own career how diversely rewarding and enriching working in hospitality can be,” said Macpherson.
“Whilst we know the sector has faced some challenges in recent years, it is uplifting how industry leaders are supporting the next generation and enhancing what’s on offer for job seekers.”
This latest LfL graduation comes at a time when Scotland’s hospitality workforce is facing a significant skills shortage. Industry data suggests that there are around 132,000 vacancies across the UK hospitality sector, with Scotland particularly affected in its rural and island communities.
By connecting employers with new talent and providing structured, confidence-building training, Learning for Life aims to help new entrants to the hospitality industry take their first steps towards long-term employment.
Diageo reported that many of this cohort of graduates have already secured roles or interviews in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, including several participants who have begun placements at the Johnnie Walker Experience itself.
Learning for Life programme manager Gillian Dalziel said: “Graduations are always so special because you can see, first-hand, how much progress people have made in just a few weeks.
“This group has learned everything from cocktail-making and bar service to interview skills, confidence-building and workplace wellbeing.
“At a time when the sector continues to face both recruitment challenges and increased pressure on staff, ensuring that people feel prepared, supported and valued from day one has never been more important,” said Dalziel.
“We are incredibly proud of every graduate and were delighted to celebrate their achievements.”
One of the graduates, Jack Rudkin, added: “Before joining the course, I didn’t feel confident about finding a job in hospitality. I thought I didn’t have enough experience.
“Learning for Life has changed that. I’ve learned so many practical skills, but the biggest difference has been in myself. I feel more confident, more positive, and more excited about what comes next.”
