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Manchester to get first Global Bartending Certificate

Industry nonprofit The Drinks Trust has teamed up with United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild (UKBG) to offer Greater Manchester’s first Global Bartending Certificate.

Manchester currently has nowhere for bartenders to achieve formal qualifications

The qualification will be run by vocational hardship initiative The Drinks Trust Develop scheme, with training provided by Mixology School.

The organisation identified two key geographic areas in the UK to focus on for the Develop programme’s inaugural year: Manchester and Birmingham. The cities were chosen for their ‘vibrant venues’ and ‘excellent growth’ in the hospitality sector.

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, explained: “The rationale behind the choice of the city is that currently, despite the growing need for skilled bartenders, there’s no access to formal bartending qualifications in the North-West.

“With Develop, we aim to reach everyone in the country interested in entering our great industry or looking to formalise their experience with an internationally recognised qualification, and this has informed our strategy of bringing opportunity to key regions.”

Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic are also said to have heavily affected both cities, and each features in the top five cities in the UK with the lowest average income.

Carter added: “Since the launch of Develop in February, The Drinks Trust has received support from brands and operators who recognise the vital importance of the scheme for the welfare of the entire drinks hospitality industry and the many people living in hardship in the UK.”

The course will include mixology demonstrations, lessons on cocktail design, the opportunity for students to make their cocktails, engaging appearances from industry experts, and a WSET Level One Spirits qualification integrated into the week.

Zoe Cunliffe, director of Mixology School, commented: “We feel honoured to be part of this programme and to have the opportunity to bring our courses to Manchester for the first time. We look to help our students begin their journey into the hospitality industry and to help venues fill more roles with skilled staff in place.”

The Drinks Trust’s Develop programme’s aim is to train and educate 550 people in its first year of operation to generate the next generation of drinks and hospitality industry professionals.

Claudia Carrozzi, UKBG president, said: “As education is a key pillar of the UKBG and enhancing hospitality, we are thrilled to be partnering with the Mixology Group and the Drinks Trust on this initiative.

“Professional bartending training programmes can be costly, thus decreasing their accessibility and particularly in the current climate, we need to be attracting more talent.

“The UKBG are very proud to not only be able to deliver such a great opportunity by offering a globally recognised qualification, but to also assist more people to embrace this wonderful profession.”

Two rounds of the Global Bartending Certificate will be held at The Dirty Old Town Distillery, Salford. The first course will be held on the week commencing with Monday 26 September, and a second course will be held on the week commencing with Monday 3 October.

Those looking to apply to take part in a course should visit https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/develop-applicationform.

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