Tweet

Scottish Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson joins graduates at Johnnie Walker Experience

Diageo’s flagship hospitality training programme, Learning for Life, celebrated the achievements of 13 graduates yesterday at a special ceremony hosted at Edinburgh’s Johnnie Walker Experience. The event was attended by Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, who congratulated the graduates as they took their next steps into careers across Scotland’s hospitality sector.

Now in its eleventh year, Learning for Life, delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard, provides skills, training and employability support for people facing barriers to work. The programme supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are unemployed, changing career, or looking to build new skills and confidence.

The graduation comes at a time when Scotland’s hospitality workforce is facing an acute skills shortage. Industry data shows there are around 132,000 vacancies across the UK hospitality sector, with Scotland particularly affected in rural and island communities. High turnover rates, rising business costs and changes to the labour market have made recruitment increasingly challenging.

By connecting employers with new talent and providing structured, confidence-building training, Learning for Life helps new entrants to the hospitality industry take their first steps towards long-term employment.

Delivered in partnership with employers across Scotland, the programme creates clear pathways into work, with many of this cohort of graduates already securing roles or interviews in Edinburgh and the surrounding area. This includes several participants who have begun placements at the Johnnie Walker Experience, where graduates can build industry experience and, in some cases, progress into permanent roles.

Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the graduation ceremony for Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, and to meet so many talented people who will be part of the future of our remarkable hospitality sector.

“Tourism and hospitality are significant parts of Scotland’s economy, and programmes like this highlight the opportunities for great careers in this area, as well as the industry’s commitment to developing its people, providing opportunities for those facing barriers to education and employment, and strengthening the skills base.

“I know from my own career how diversely rewarding and enriching working in hospitality can be. Whilst we know the sector has faced some challenges in recent years, it is uplifting how industry leaders are supporting the next generation and enhancing what’s on offer for job seekers.”

Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager at Diageo, added “Graduations are always so special because you can see, first-hand, how much progress people have made in just a few weeks. This group has learned everything from cocktail-making and bar service to interview skills, confidence-building and workplace wellbeing.

“At a time when the sector continues to face both recruitment challenges and increased pressure on staff, ensuring that people feel prepared, supported and valued from day one has never been more important. We are incredibly proud of every graduate and were delighted to celebrate their achievements.”

One of the graduates, Jack Rudkin, shared the impact the programme has had: “Before joining the course, I didn’t feel confident about finding a job in hospitality. I thought I didn’t have enough experience. Learning for Life has changed that. I’ve learned so many practical skills, but the biggest difference has been in myself. I feel more confident, more positive, and more excited about what comes next.”

Reflecting on the event, Springboard COO Kelly Johnstone noted “Learning for Life is a fantastic example of how targeted, industry-led training can help people overcome barriers and enter meaningful careers in hospitality.

“As Chair of the Scottish Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group, I’ve seen first-hand the value of programmes that connect talented individuals with employers, addressing critical skills shortages while giving participants the confidence and experience they need to succeed. Our graduates are a tangible reminder of how partnerships between industry, education, and charities can make a real difference for both people and the sector.”

The recent graduation ceremony marks the latest milestone in Diageo and Springboard’s long-standing partnership to support workforce development and promote inclusive career pathways across Scotland’s hospitality industry, and highlights Springboard’s ambitious 2030 pledge to deliver one million new hospitality skills, helping to futureproof the sector’s talent pipeline.