No single route leads to a career in spirits. Some people begin with an introductory qualification, others develop specialist technical expertise, and some enter through university study, research or entrepreneurship.
The Distillers’ Company works with three education partners to support these different routes. Funding from The Distillers’ Charity helps widen access to learning. Members of the Livery add mentoring, business knowledge and professional connections.
Academic, technical and vocational routes into the spirits industry, and how Distillers’ support works with each partnership.
The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University combines scientific teaching, industry experience and research. Our work includes research support, the Distillers’ Entrepreneurship Award, mentoring and The Business of Spirits.
Discover Heriot-Watt and ICBDCIBD provides internationally recognised technical qualifications for the beverage industry, from foundation learning to the General Certificate, Diploma and Master Distiller level. Our partnership supports bursaries, mentoring and business-focused learning.
Discover CIBDWSET provides international qualifications for people at different stages of a drinks career. The Distillers’ Company was one of the organisations that founded WSET in 1969, and the relationship continues through governance, bursaries, prizes and mentoring.
Discover WSETOur partnerships connect formal learning with the realities of working in the industry. Students and award recipients may also meet the Company through mentoring, Business of Spirits seminars and other opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.