THIRTY-two individuals from across Scotland are getting the work experience opportunity of a life time as they participate in the world’s largest cocktail competition in Glasgow.
The World Class Bartender of the Year competition is the world’s largest bartending competition, with top talent from across the globe competing to be crowned the best bartender.
More than 10,000 bartenders from around the world are expected to compete in the 11th edition of the competition.
The competition will see twelve Diageo Learning for Life graduates mix with some of the world’s leading bartenders to gain valuable experience behind the bar.
The 2019 World Class finals, started yesterday at SWG3 in Glasgow and runs for three days.
Today (25 Sep) graduates will be joined by twenty Glasgow students currently taking part in the Diageo Learning for Life programme for a bespoke Ketel One cocktail masterclass.
During the masterclass each individual will try their hand at creating cutting edge cocktails.
Master class participants will also have the opportunity to meet Ketel One master distiller, Bob Nolet.
The hospitality sector is a key part of Scotland’s economy, directly employing over 200,000 people and providing many opportunities for those with suitable skills.
However, significant barriers still exist for individuals trying to get on the jobs ladder, with youth unemployment currently at 10.1 per cent in Scotland.
The Diageo Learning for Life programme works to address these barriers, including lack of work experience, insufficient qualifications and poor confidence.
Simon Earley, Head of World Class, said: “World Class is all about working with the world’s best bartenders from around the globe to encourage people to care about what, where and how they drink. Only the best talent is invited to compete in the global finals, so we’re delighted to have our current and former Learning for Life participants be a central part of this year’s celebration and provide them with a chance to learn from some of the industry’s top talent.”
