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WSET names Equal Measures as education partner
Beneficiaries of Equal Measures, a UK non-profit that pushes for diversity in the industry, will now be able to access Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications.
Equal Measures was launched in 2020 by hospitality veteran Deano Moncrieffe (co-founder of Hacha in London) to increase diversity in the industry. WSET is seen as the global leader in drinks education.
The partnership will allow 20 successful applicants to Equal Measures to access WSET qualifications for the academic year, while being paired with a leading industry figure for a mentorship programme that will last for a minimum of six months.
Equal Measures works to include people from marginalised communities in the drinks industry, including Black, Asian and other minority ethnicities; queer and gender queer persons; those who are neurodivergent; and those who face systemic barriers to their progression.
The opportunity will be available to people from these groups who have a full-time position in the UK cocktail or spirits industries.
Participants will be able to boost their CVs with courses such as WSET’s Level 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits, which are delivered by independent supplier The Mixing Class.
This, in addition to the support Equal Measure already provides through its education and mentorship programme, is designed to give marginalised groups the industry-relevant qualifications, tools, networks and support needed for a rewarding career.
Liam Scandrett, spirits educator and WSET senior APP development manager said: “WSET has a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Equal Measures, so it’s wonderful we can take this to the next level by becoming its new education partner.
“We’re thrilled to see the progress of those already being supported by Equal Measures and look forward to giving more individuals across the UK the opportunity to benefit from its education and mentorship programme. It’s a real privilege to work with the Equal Measures team and contribute to this important initiative, which aims to break down barriers faced by people from marginalised groups and foster greater diversity within the drinks industry.”
Beneficiaries will also take part in WSET’s Educator Training Programme, gaining the qualifications needed to deliver WSET spirits education to future groups.
Vicky Ilankovan, executive director of Equal Measures UK, added: “We’re delighted to welcome WSET onboard as an education partner. We have always offered our beneficiaries fully funded WSET in spirits courses as we believe 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.”
WSET courses are available in more than 15 languages and more than 70 countries. Its qualifications are regarded as the industry standard for knowledge.
Michael Hilton, a beneficiary of Equal Measures, said: “Equal Measures has been a huge help to me, allowing me to meet and learn from many incredible people, including my mentor Nate, whose invaluable advice has helped navigate many a crisis.
“Equal Measures has also supported me to study for my WSET Level 2 and 3 in Spirits, which has opened up a whole new world of understanding and job prospects.”
Last year, on the second episode of The Spirits Business Podcast, we spoke to Moncrieffe about the non-profit and its core focus of highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
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SB Podcast episode two: Equal Measures