Diageo Learning for Life Kickstart courses are taking place across the UK. Over nine weeks, Diageo works with college and university leavers to help launch their hospitality careers.

Kick-starting a career in hospitality 

Diageo Learning for Life courses prepare participants for a career within a bartending or front of house role. The courses aim to equip them with the skills and experience to launch their careers.

Through these courses, participants access a range of invaluable opportunities and experiences. These include practical experience such as cocktail masterclasses and dealing with customer complaints; job search skills such as application forms and interview techniques; national qualifications and work skills certificates; and industry visits to local businesses and the Diageo Distillery. 

Helping women achieve success 

Through Diageo's courses, many women have thrived in hospitality careers and enjoyed some fantastic achievements.

For example, Cailin took park in the Diageo Learning for Life course, and she is now working as a floor waitress for the Beefeater Bar and Grill based in Stirling where she had her two week placement as part of the course.

"My life has totally changed now! Without the course I would not be where I am today. I’ve got my confidence back and I’ve started working for a successful restaurant," says Cailin.

"I enjoy working again and I take pride in what I do. The people at Springboard gave me a reason again and I can’t be more thankful for that."

Meanwhile, Danielle appreciates that Diageo's course offered her the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the industry.

"The course has given me the chance to build my confidence back up after being out of work. The industry visits gave me a better understanding of the different jobs available in hospitality and gaining six qualifications has also been great. My highlights were the wine qualification and the cocktail masterclass," explains Danielle.

"I am currently job searching and I’m positive about what my future holds."

Another course participant, Madeleine, is now Assistant Manager of a music bar in Glasgow’s West End.

"Since the course, I have worked in a number of roles in hospitality. When I finished the course, I got a job in a hotel restaurant before accepting a job in a high end restaurant, bar and nightclub in Glasgow city centre. Within a year, I was promoted to supervisor," she says.  

"The course definitely helped to build my confidence and I like that it gave me the skills and knowledge to work in the industry. I felt much more confident in my first job than I would have if I hadn’t done the course."

Join a company committed to supporting careers 

Diageo offers a wide range of opportunities for talented women. If hearing about these women's stories inspires you, learn more about current vacancies and apply today.

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