WSET joins forces with Equal Measures to boost diversity in spirits industry
The collaboration aims to offer drinks qualifications and mentorship to individuals from marginalised communities working in the UK cocktail and spirits sectors. The post WSET joins forces with Equal Measures to boost diversity in spirits industry appeared first on The Drinks Business.
The collaboration aims to offer drinks qualifications and mentorship to individuals from marginalised communities working in the UK cocktail and spirits sectors.
As part of the initiative, WSET will support up to 20 people during this academic year, providing access to its globally recognised Level 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits. The courses will be delivered by WSET-approved provider The Mixing Class. In addition, one Equal Measures beneficiary will take part in WSET’s Educator Training Programme, allowing them to deliver WSET Spirits Education to future groups within the Equal Measures network.
Equal Measures, founded to create intersectional diversity from bar to boardroom, offers support to individuals from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups, as well as queer, gender queer, neurodivergent persons, and those facing systemic barriers to career progression in hospitality.
Liam Scandrett, WSET senior APP development manager, said: “WSET has a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Equal Measures, so it’s wonderful we can take this to the next level by becoming its new education partner.
He continued: “We’re thrilled to see the progress of those already being supported by Equal Measures and look forward to giving more individuals across the UK the opportunity to benefit from its Education & Mentorship programme. It’s a real privilege to work with the EM team and contribute to this important initiative, which aims to break down barriers faced by people from marginalised groups and foster greater diversity within the drinks industry."
Vicky Ilankovan, executive director of Equal Measures UK, added: “We’re delighted to welcome WSET onboard as an Education Partner. We have always offered our beneficiaries fully funded WSET in Spirits courses as we believe that these bolster CVs to mitigate the effects of bias, unconscious or otherwise. What’s more, the knowledge, confidence, and excitement gained through WSET are second to none."
As part of the initiative, WSET will support up to 20 people during this academic year, providing access to its globally recognised Level 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits. The courses will be delivered by WSET-approved provider The Mixing Class. In addition, one Equal Measures beneficiary will take part in WSET’s Educator Training Programme, allowing them to deliver WSET Spirits Education to future groups within the Equal Measures network.
Equal Measures, founded to create intersectional diversity from bar to boardroom, offers support to individuals from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups, as well as queer, gender queer, neurodivergent persons, and those facing systemic barriers to career progression in hospitality.
Liam Scandrett, WSET senior APP development manager, said: “WSET has a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Equal Measures, so it’s wonderful we can take this to the next level by becoming its new education partner.
He continued: “We’re thrilled to see the progress of those already being supported by Equal Measures and look forward to giving more individuals across the UK the opportunity to benefit from its Education & Mentorship programme. It’s a real privilege to work with the EM team and contribute to this important initiative, which aims to break down barriers faced by people from marginalised groups and foster greater diversity within the drinks industry."
Vicky Ilankovan, executive director of Equal Measures UK, added: “We’re delighted to welcome WSET onboard as an Education Partner. We have always offered our beneficiaries fully funded WSET in Spirits courses as we believe that these bolster CVs to mitigate the effects of bias, unconscious or otherwise. What’s more, the knowledge, confidence, and excitement gained through WSET are second to none."
