NORWALK, Conn., June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo
graduated the first class of participants from its Norwalk Learning
Skills for Life (LSFL) class. The program, designed to train
unemployed and underemployed individuals, provides both life and
business skills needed to secure employment in the hospitality
industry with a focus on retail, enterprise and bartending. The
graduation took place last week at Diageo's North American
Headquarters in Norwalk,
Connecticut.
The graduating class represents the first for Diageo in the
U.S., and consists of students from Norwalk, Bridgeport, Waterbury and Stratford. The Norwalk cohort is especially noteworthy for
its 100 percent retention rate, in addition to already placing 57
percent of its students in full time jobs and internships.
Norwalk graduate Israel Medina
from Waterbury described the
profound opportunities provided to him by the LSFL program,
explaining, "Diageo's Learning Skills for Life program truly was a
life changing experience. The program equipped me with the
necessary tools to take control of my professional future, and I
now find myself on a path to success I never imagined
possible."
Together with academic partner Bartenders Academy of Fairfield,
Connecticut, Diageo developed the six-week program during which
students from a variety of community and employment workforce
agencies, who are over 21 years of age, received intensive training
in bartending skills. Additionally, participants received training
in valuable life skills such as managing personal finances,
interviewing, working in a team environment, and writing resumes
and cover letters.
Dr. Danielle Robinson, Director
of Corporate Relations for Diageo's Alcohol Policy and Reputation
Management team, who heads LSFL in the U.S., and the Norwalk cohort in particular, spoke to the
hard work and dedication of the recent graduates, stating, "Our
students took full advantage of this incredible opportunity, and I
am absolutely convinced that they will all be successful in their
new careers. I will forever consider them a part of the Diageo
family and am proud to be part of a program that affects such
powerful change within our community."
LSFL in Norwalk is based on
similar programs funded by Diageo throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, and South
Africa, and represents Diageo's continued dedication to
offering underserved individuals the opportunity to gain employment
and positively contribute to their communities. Diageo has had over
100,000 graduates globally in the Learning for Life Program.
Candidates interested in being considered for future LSFL
programs in Norwalk can contact
Danielle Robinson at
203-229-4398.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks
business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands
across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit,
George Dickel, Buchanan's and
Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys,
Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards
Wines.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than
180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the
New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).
For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and
performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that
promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice
tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140616/118644
SOURCE Diageo