Eleven students from Glasgow became the first in the UK to graduate from the pilot Diageo Learning For Life refugee programme. Diageo celebrated their success with a ceremony at St Luke’s, with a number of special guests.
Inspiring and transforming the lives of local community members
Diageo's Learning for Life is a bespoke programme designed to inspire and transform the lives of people throughout the communities in which Diageo operates. With a focus on adult education, the programme is implemented in partnership with local educational, governmental and training organisations.
Learning for Life offers tools, training and skills in four key areas related to the industry and value chain – hospitality, retail, entrepreneurship and bartending – and is designed to:
- promote gender equality and empower women and girls
- promote inclusive sustainable growth
- promote skills, employability, and lifelong learning
- promote better health and well-being
Learning for Life matches high-potential individuals with vacancies within the industry and works to reduce the gap between people’s skills and the competencies required by employers. By providing work experience for at least 70% of participants, the programme supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of achieving employment and decent work for all.
Helping refugees gain confidence, develop skills, and meet new people
In Scotland, Diageo worked with Springboard UK to support refugees who are new to the city of Glasgow through the Learning for Life programme. This fantastic programme has helped them gain confidence, build employability skills and undertake soft skills training all while expanding their language skills and meeting new people.
Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, joined Diageo at its first Diageo Learning For Life refugee graduation.
"We cannot thank the Cabinet Secretary enough for supporting this trailblazing new bartending and hospitality course," commented Diageo.
One graduate, Neda, commented on how much Diageo's programme has helped her in pursuing a career in hospitality.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to improve my confidence and grasp of English,” she says.
Make a positive impact in your career at Diageo
Women who work for Diageo are always making a positive difference to the communities in which they live and work.
If you're interested in being part of exciting initiatives like Diageo's Learning for Life Programme, search and apply for job vacancies today.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.