- Up to 20 hospitality professionals receive free WSET Level 1 and Level 2 training
- Programme targets workers facing long-term financial hardship
- Courses cover Wines, Spirits, or both through approved Irish training providers
- Bursary removes cost barriers to professional drink education qualifications
- Initiative aims to build long-term careers and boost workplace confidence
The Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund has officially launched the WSET Ireland Bursary Programme, helping hospitality workers who face long-term financial hardship gain free access to world-class drink education. The initiative supports hospitality professionals seeking wine and spirits education qualifications, with up to 20 hospitality professionals winning the funding. The programme provides free training for WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards, with winners able to study Wines, Spirits, or both. The launch forms part of recent efforts to assist industry workers through training opportunities and career development.
WSET, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, operates as a global education group that teaches people about drinks, with courses usually costing a substantial amount of money. This bursary allows struggling workers to obtain top qualifications for free, with courses running through approved local Irish training providers. The programme aims to build long-term careers and boost workplace confidence among hospitality professionals facing financial hardship. The initiative reflects the Restaurants Association of Ireland’s commitment to supporting the hospitality workforce through education and skills development.
The Benevolent Fund has identified long-term financial hardship as a key barrier to professional development within the hospitality sector. By removing the cost barrier to WSET qualifications, the programme enables workers to enhance their career prospects and earning potential. The fund has prioritised applicants who demonstrate both financial need and a commitment to remaining in the hospitality industry. The initiative has received positive feedback from industry stakeholders who view education as essential to workforce retention and quality improvement.
Restaurants Association of Ireland chief executive Adrian Cummins shared investing in people represents the best move for the industry’s future.
