The Drinks Trust DEVELOP programme

What is DEVELOP?

DEVELOP is The Drinks Trust’s flagship education, training, and employment initiative aimed at breaking down financial barriers for individuals looking to enter or advance in the UK drinks and hospitality industry. Launched in early 2022, the programme represents a unique, full-service offering combining bursaries, accredited training, and job placement support to cultivate a more skilled, inclusive workforce.

The Programme’s Scope

DEVELOP funds a broad range of courses spanning every stage of the drinks sector – from production and distribution to sales, retail, hospitality, and brand marketing. Key offerings include:

* Mixology and global bartending

* Cider-making, brewing, and distillation

* Wine-making, vineyard work, and sommelier training

* Customer‑facing roles such as bartending and service

* Exclusive behind the scenes opportunities

* Cider qualifications

* Whisky workshops & qualifications

Courses are delivered both online and in-person by world-class providers such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Institute of Brewing & Distilling, European Bartender School, Mixology School, Barfection and much more.

Financial Support & Eligibility

The programme removes financial barriers by covering training costs fully. Bursaries and funding are available to:

* Unemployed individuals

* Entry-level staff earning under £26k per year or holding minimal savings (£2,000 or less)

Applicants must be UK residents with an NI number and bank account. They typically submit a short statement (about 300 words) explaining how the course will support their career.

Wrap‑around Support Services

DEVELOP offers much more than course funding:

• Core employability training: CV writing, interview techniques, soft skills, and workplace culture
• Resource library: An extensive online collection of training materials via the EdApp
• Regular networking: Opportunities for in-person and online events, connecting students with industry professionals.

Employment Pathways

DEVELOP maintains close ties with top hospitality employers—such as Claridge’s, The Ivy Collection, Gaucho, Revolution Bars, Murano by Angela Hartnett, JKS Restaurants, Turtle Bay, and others—to refer qualified graduates for job opportunities. The charity co-designs referral processes and ensures trainees align with the needs of potential employers.

From an employer’s perspective, involvement means:

1. Helping fund trainee places (partially or fully)
2. Specifying hiring criteria
3. Conducting standard interviews and hiring processes
4. Receiving ongoing support and review from The Drinks Trust to ensure successful hire integration

Track Record & Outcomes in 2024

• 42% OF STUDENTS FROM MINORITY ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS
• 53% OF STUDENTS FROM AREAS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION
• AVERAGE AGE OF DEVELOP BENEFICIARY IN 2024 WAS 30
• 4 BRAND NEW DEVELOP TRAINING COURSES
• 46% APPLICANTS WERE NEW OR RETURNING TO INDUSTRY
• 46% STUDENTS WERE JOBSEEKERS INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT
• OPPORTUNITIES
• 200+ ONLINE DRINKS AND HOSPITALITY TRAININGS

Graduates frequently commend the programme

“I would say that the course was really helpful for me has it broaden and deepened my knowledge about wine. Completing this course now makes me feel more confident when recommending wines to guests. I would recommend it for anyone trying to gain more knowledge about wine!”

“I was fortunate enough to be supported by The Drinks Trust via their exciting new Develop program and enrolled onto the WSET level 1 in spirits’ course. The course was great, very thorough without being time consuming so I could balance my work scheduled alongside my new study. Without the support of The Drinks Trust, I would not be able to take on this course and qualification, which I now have on my CV for life!”

Why DEVELOP Matters

• Addresses skills shortages: Tackles industry-wide recruitment challenges while supporting vulnerable individuals
• Promotes social mobility: Focusses on those facing hardship, promoting equitable access to training and work
• Creates sustainable, industry‑wide impact: Graduates emerge with qualifications, confidence, and job placements—providing economic and social benefits.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in applying or supporting DEVELOP:

• Individuals: Check eligibility and browse available courses via The Drinks Trust’s website https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop/our-courses
• Employers: Become an “Operator Partner” to hire aligned graduates and shape training https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop/employment-opportunities
• Training providers: Partner to deliver courses and expand reach to those facing financial barriers https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop/educational-providers

In Summary

DEVELOP represents a transformative, multi-faceted investment in people and the wider UK drinks and hospitality sector. By combining financial support, skill development, mentoring, and employer partnerships, the programme equips individuals for success while ensuring businesses gain access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. Its rapid growth and strong testimonials underscore its importance—and growth is ongoing.

To find out more about The Drinks Trust’s Educational and Training programme DEVELOP, please visit: https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop