WSET, the global leader in drinks education, is delighted to announce today that it becomes the new education partner for Equal Measures - the UK's leading non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering intersectional diversity, from bar to boardroom, in the drinks and hospitality industries.
Equal Measures works to make the drinks industry more inclusive through its support for marginalised groups and individuals. This includes enriching career possibilities for people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnicities, as well as for queer and gender queer persons and those who are neurodivergent, or who face systemic barriers to their progression.
Through its Education & Mentorship programme, Equal Measures (EM) provides the industry-relevant qualifications, tools, networks, and support needed to create and sustain rewarding careers. WSET will be supporting up to 20 people with access to qualifications during this academic year. This support is available to anyone from minoritised backgrounds and identities who works full-time in the UK cocktail and spirits industries, who successfully applies to Equal Measures via the website www.equalmeasuresuk.org. This partnership is made possible through WSET’s social impact programme, which aims to create positive impact through purposeful activity in the global drinks industry.
After successfully applying for the Equal Measures programme, participants are paired with a globally leading industry figure who will support their professional development and offer mentorship for a minimum of six months.
Participants will also be given the opportunity to bolster their CV by completing WSET’s Level 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits, delivered by approved WSET spirits education course provider The Mixing Class. In addition, an Equal Measures beneficiary will be taking part in WSET’s Educator Training Programme (ETP), so will be qualified to deliver WSET Spirits Education to future groups of EM’s members.
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 & Mentorship programme. It’s a real privilege to work with the EM 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."
Vicky Ilankovan, Executive Director of Equal Measures UK said:
“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 that 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.”
Equal Measures’ beneficiary, Michael Hilton, added:
"Equal Measures has been a huge help to me, allowing to meet and learn from many incredible people including my mentor Nate whose invaluable advice has helped navigate many a crisis. EM has also supported me to study for my WEST Level 2 and 3 in spirits, which has opened up a whole new world of understanding and job prospects."
