HOUSTON, Aug. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, a
global leader in beverage alcohol, is proud to announce the
commencement of the Learning Skills for Life (LSFL) hospitality
training program in Houston,
Texas. The program, designed to train unemployed and
underemployed individuals, provides both life and business skills
needed to secure employment in the hospitality industry. Diageo is
partnering with the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and
Restaurant Management at the University of
Houston to facilitate the program. Additional partners in
the initiative are U.S. Vets, the nation's largest nonprofit
provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk
veterans; Houston Launch Pad, a nonprofit organization that
provides job development, skills training and transitional housing;
Glazers, Inc., beverage distributors; and Combs Wines and
Spirits
The inaugural cohort of seven students began this summer, and
all participants are local veterans of at least 21 years of age.
During the six-week program, students will receive intensive
training in the hospitality industry. Additionally, participants
will be taught valuable life skills such as managing personal
finances, interviewing, working in a team environment, and writing
resumes and cover letters. Each student will also receive interview
apparel courtesy of Dignity U Wear.
"The ultimate goal of the Learning Skills for Life Houston
program is to help prepare veterans for stable and successful
careers in the hospitality industry, and Diageo is excited to bring
this opportunity-rich program to the Houston market," said Dr. Danielle Robinson, Diageo's Alcohol Policy
Director. "We are honored to have the opportunity to give back to
servicemen and women who have served our country."
"Diageo plays an important role in the hospitality industry
every day, but the company's sponsorship of Learning Skills for
Life takes their leadership in hospitality to the next level," said
Anna Johnson, manager of community
engagement for the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant
Management at the University of
Houston. "The company's commitment to finding employment for
graduates is not only great for the veterans, but also for our
entire community."
"U.S. Vets and Diageo share a common commitment to helping our
country's veterans, and ensuring their futures are bright," said
Tom Mitchell, Executive Director of
U.S. Vets Houston. "We hope that
more corporations will recognize the importance of veteran's
affairs, and follow Diageo's example."
The Houston LSFL course complements a successful program
launched last year at Diageo's North American headquarters in
Norwalk, Connecticut. The
Norwalk program boasts a 98%
graduation rate, with 82% of participants placed in jobs upon
graduation.
The programs in North America
are based on similar programs funded by Diageo throughout
Latin America, the Caribbean, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, and South
Africa, and represent Diageo's continued dedication to
offering underserved individuals the opportunity to gain employment
and positively contribute to their communities. These programs
operate under the global umbrella of "Learning for Life" and
include 90 initiatives in 35 countries. In F15 alone the global
programs collectively provided life and job skills to 7417
participants, and since its inception in 2008, Learning for Life
has trained nearly 110,000 graduates.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage
alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits,
beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and
Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain
Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio,
Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more
than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both
the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange
(DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands,
and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global
responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information,
initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North
America: @Diageo_NA.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
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SOURCE Diageo