The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications, and ProWein, the leading international wine and spirits trade fair, have today launched an initiative to train and support ambitious young wine professionals.
Up to thirty individuals in the early stages of their career in any sector of the EU wine industry (plus the UK), including hospitality, wine tourism and distribution, will be offered places on a bespoke online WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course. They will receive online tuition, a home tasting pack of 40 wines (provided by Vinovae) and, at the end of the course, will take their final exam at ProWein. They will be offered complimentary tickets to ProWein 2021 to attend a welcome breakfast and to participate in a series of tutored tastings by leading producer groups. WSET will also offer this group of young wine professionals ongoing mentorship.
Ambitious wine trade professionals, under the age of 30, who are committed to expanding their product knowledge and developing their careers within the sector should apply by first completing a short pre-application screening. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how the opportunity would help them achieve their industry career goals. They must also be prepared to attend ProWein 2021 (19-23 March). All applications must be received by Monday 30th November and the six-week course will start in January 2021.
Joseph Hallam, WSET Business Development Manager EMEA, said: “This is a very challenging time for those working in the European wine industry. By using the power of education, we hope that we can play our part in helping young wine professionals to achieve their potential through gaining a globally recognised wine qualification and being part of an ongoing mentorship programme.” Bastian Mingers, Director of ProWein, adds: “The Covid-19 crisis has brought many changes and new challenges for the wine industry. It is hard for newcomers in particular to find their feet. With this new initiative, WSET will equip the younger generation with comprehensive wine knowledge. ProWein will provide the opportunity for them to gain valuable know-how and experience from personal contact and the networking opportunities we offer.”
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of December 2020. To find out more about WSET’s online Level 2 Award in Wines course, visit WSET Global.
About the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Set up in 1969, WSET is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications.
WSET offers qualifications across four levels, from beginner courses through to an expert level diploma. Courses are available in more than 15 languages and over 70 countries and are open both to industry professionals and interested enthusiasts.
WSET is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and examinations. All WSET qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge.
In the last academic year (2019/20) nearly 100,000 candidates sat for a WSET qualification and, since 1969, WSET has awarded nearly one million individuals a WSET qualification.
For more information about WSET, please visit WSETglobal.com.
About ProWein
ProWein is the world’s leading trade fair for wine and spirits. Every year, some 6,900 exhibitors and over 61,000 trade visitors come to Düsseldorf for concentrated business. For more than 25 years, ProWein has been convincing with its strict trade visitor concept and its unique range of products and services and has consistently developed from a small wine fair to the international No. 1 in the wine and spirits industry. For more information, please visit www.prowein.com.
