Seven People Complete Training In London
Bacardi welcomed back the seven participants — Sahlay Govia, Kierra Lee, Sarzjae Minors, Kneiko Brimmer, Seth Somner, Dante Trott and Detre Virgil — of their ‘Shake Your Future’ programme, with the seven people undergoing weeks of training at the European Bartending School in London.
A spokesperson said, “Bacardi Limited is proud to welcome back participants of its inaugural Shake Your Future in Bermuda following intensive weeks of training at the esteemed European Bartending School in London.
“Shake Your Future is a free, professional bartender training program for unemployed young adults launched by Bacardi and now available in Bermuda. During their time at the school, the students received comprehensive instruction in mixology theory, free pour techniques, flair bartending, and live bar management. Now, they are back in Bermuda to begin their work placement opportunities with local bars and restaurants.
“Shake Your Future is a transformative program that provides free professional bartender training to unemployed young adults. In Bermuda, the program launched in February in partnership with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development.
“Seven participants enrolled in the training, which spans ten weeks including four weeks of rigorous training at the European Bartending School followed by personal branding and marketing workshops and job placement opportunities with some of Bermuda’s top bars and restaurants.
“Shake Your Future is a truly transformative program, and we congratulate the group of young adults who have participated in this inaugural offering,” says Douglas Mello, Bacardi Limited Managing Director.
“We are excited to support them through this next phase and remain committed to creating opportunities for unemployed individuals who are seeking fulfilling careers in the hospitality sector. There is a growing demand for talented and qualified professionals in Bermuda who can deliver exceptional services to our partners and customers, and we are excited to help build a vibrant and inclusive hospitality industry that benefits all.”
A spokesperson added, “Shake Your Future was originally created by Bacardi in 2018 and has since launched in Italy, France, India, South Africa, and other markets. Globally, 80% of graduates have secured successful careers in the hospitality industry.
“The program comes at a critical time for Bermuda’s young people, with unemployment rates increasing from 18% to 32% amongst young adults as reported by the 2020 Labour Force Survey. Furthermore, with new hotels opening on the island and a growing demand for skilled hospitality workers, the program represents a vital investment in the future of Bermuda’s young workforce.
“By providing participants with valuable skills, hands-on experience, and valuable industry connections, Shake Your Future is helping to equip a new generation of hospitality professionals with the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.
“I congratulate all participants for completing the first half of the Bacardi Shake Your Future Program! Thus far, this excellent opportunity has allowed a select group of young adults to travel overseas and attend a world-leading bartending school to obtain the skills necessary for a successful bartending career,” says Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour at the Government of Bermuda.
“This opportunity would not be possible without Bacardi Limited and the Department of Workforce Development working together to support the development and training of young Bermudians, placing them on the path to success. I thank all those involved for their ongoing dedication and commitment to our youth.”
“Learn more about Shake Your Future.”
