WSET partners with Equal Measures to boost diversity in the drinks sector
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has established a new partnership with Equal Measures, a non-profit organisation based in the UK that is committed to promoting intersectional diversity within the drinks and hospitality sectors. This collaboration marks a significant step in providing educational support to individuals from minoritised backgrounds working in these industries.
Under the terms of the partnership, WSET will facilitate access to its qualifications for up to 20 individuals during the current academic year. This initiative primarily targets workers in the UK cocktail and spirits industries who identify as belonging to minoritised communities, offering them a pathway through Equal Measures’ application process on its website.
Participants selected for the programme will benefit from mentorship opportunities, pairing them with leading figures in the industry who will guide their professional development over a minimum six-month period. In addition to mentorship, successful candidates will have the chance to earn WSET’s highly regarded Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Spirits, enhancing their qualifications in a competitive job market.
An exciting aspect of this partnership is the inclusion of a beneficiary from Equal Measures in WSET’s Educator Training Programme (ETP). This individual will receive the necessary training to become a qualified instructor capable of delivering WSET Spirits Education to future cohorts of Equal Measures members, thereby furthering the programme's impact.
Vicky Ilankovan, the executive director of Equal Measures UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "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. This new partnership with WSET will allow us to support more hospitality workers from minoritised and marginalised communities, as well as open up a new chapter of collaboration and growth, driving positive change in our industry."
The collaboration between WSET and Equal Measures is designed not only to enhance the skills of individual participants but also to promote broader industry change by fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce within the drinks and hospitality sectors. By connecting aspiring professionals with established mentors and high-quality educational resources, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for career progression that address existing disparities in the industry.
The initiative follows a growing recognition among industry stakeholders that increasing diversity is essential for the future of the drinks and hospitality sectors. As organisations continue to grapple with issues of representation, partnerships like the one between WSET and Equal Measures are crucial in paving the way for both individual advancement and systemic change.
This new phase of collaboration will play a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous individuals who have historically faced barriers within the industry. By providing educational opportunities and mentorship, the initiative strives to reinforce a commitment to equality and inclusivity across the board in the drinks and hospitality sectors.