Chamber: Shaping Bermuda’s Bartending Future

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has formed a stakeholder group with an aim to create a new strategic approach to bartending services, and “this industry-proposed solution will provide training and job opportunities for Bermudians seeking a career in bartending.”

A spokesperson said, “The Bartender category has been a closed immigration category for several years and there is currently a significant shortage of skilled bartenders for restaurants and hotels. Following discussions with Minister Jason Hayward, a stakeholder group was formed to understand the deficiency and formulate a strategic solution.

“The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s Restaurant Division assembled local bartenders and representatives from restaurants, distributors, the BIU, and the Bermuda Hotel Association to develop a strategic plan for Minister Hayward. The working group examined and identified customer expectations, the skills required to fulfil the industry’s evolving need for skilled bartenders, and employment and training opportunities for Bermudians.

“The stakeholder group-developed strategic plan introduces a structured approach to bartending services. The plan defines bartending categories, the skillset expectations for each category and training programmes for those interested in becoming a bartender or further developing their skills.

The bartender categories defined by the working group are:

• Ambassador / Bartender Trainer: this is the highest tier, consisting of internationally accredited professionals specializing in specific areas of bar services or brand training. These top-tier professionals are not only experts in their field but are also equipped to train others, enhancing the overall skill level within the industry.
• Bartender Level 3: for those with significant experience and international bartending accreditation, capable of
• managing advanced tasks such as inventory control and staff training.
• Bartender Level 2: designed for those with intermediate experience and skills, including the ability to handle advanced customer service and Point of Sale [POS] systems.
• Bartender Level 1: targeted towards newcomers to the industry, focusing on foundational skills and basic bartending knowledge.
• Bar Back / Bar Porter / Assistant Bartender: an entry point with no prior experience required, for those starting their journey in the bartending profession. This level is essential for building the foundation of a future career in bartending, offering an introduction to the industry.

“The stakeholder group’s strategic plan also categorises establishments based on their bartending needs. This categorisation ranges from basic cocktail preparation to advanced mixology and customer experience enhancement. It aims to identify the type of service required by each establishment and match it with the appropriate level of bartending training and expertise.

“To further support the development of Bermudian bartenders, the plan places a significant emphasis on training opportunities. These include the Bermuda College’s ‘The Art of Bartending’ programme, recognition of the work being done through the Bacardi Sponsored ‘Shake your Future’ Programme, and industry-based training through employment opportunities at local restaurants and distributors.

“With the support of the Ministers this industry-proposed solution will provide training and job opportunities for Bermudians seeking a career in bartending.

“To share information about the levels being introduced and how they will impact the service industry, the following presentations are being held:

For Restaurants/Bars/Hotels:

• February 5th at 9:30am
• February 7th at 9:30am
• February 9th [online] at 9:30am

For current and aspiring Bartenders:

• February 5th at 5:15pm
• February 6th at 9:30am
• February 7th [online] at 5:15pm
• February 10th [online] at 9:30am

“To sign up, please follow this link or visit the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce website. For more information, or if you are interested but unable to attend any of these dates, call 292-4501 or email info@bcc.bm.”

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