Providing training in a particular craft was a fundamental reason for Livery Companies coming into being nearly a thousand years ago.
Groups of craftspeople would join together to pass on skills, set standards and create the qualifications needed to support future generations into work. Thanks to funding from The Distillers’ Charity, this vital work in our industry continues to expand today. The Worshipful Company of Distillers has for many years supported a programme of educational support, initially to help members of the drinks trade to acquire knowledge and appreciation of spirits, and increasingly to encourage new entrants to the industry. The Distillers’ Charity has moved to provide a broader range of training and more practical support, especially to young talent and those of limited means, to help them progress in the distilling trade by providing mentoring, work experience and seminars.
Work Experience
Working in a real business before starting on a career is invaluable, but places can be increasingly hard to obtain. We work with many of the new businesses among our members to enable students to access vocational training and gain a grounding in a broad range of aspects of the drinks industry.
Mentoring
The Distillers’ Charity has launched a successful pro-bono mentoring initiative to ensure sharing of knowledge and nurturing of new talent by those in the industry. We established a matching committee to ensure a positive dynamic between mentors and mentees, with connections so far yielding many positive success stories of students and new graduates who are better-prepared to apply for jobs and begin work.
Business of Spirits Seminar
The annual Vocational Education and Training Committee sees seasoned professionals explain the core elements of brand building and business development to enthusiastic Certificate and Diploma students from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Due to the success of the seminar and feedback from students, the programme is being rolled out across the country in partnership with all the Livery’s education partners.
Play your part in the life and work of the charity
