The training course took place on campus with the participation of more than 200 students and lecturers. The curriculum includes soft skills and bar knowledge training: basic knowledge of the bartending industry, skills in preparing and serving drinks, effective communication skills, teamwork, physical and mental health awareness, time management, self-confidence building skills and personal image management skills on social media. Students also had a chance to learn about nightlife professions, understand the value and potential career path in this industry. In addition, experts from Diageo Vietnam Company also introduced participants and guided them through the responsible drinking program (DRINKiQ).

“Learning for Life” is an initiative by Diageo to launch on the global scale. The program aimes to help equip business and hospitality skills for those who are seeking employment in the hospitality industry, especially disadvantaged people that may have faced barriers to employment in their lives. “Learning for Life” sets a target to train at least 50% female trainees in each season. The program provides equal access to business and hospitality skills and resources to enhance the employability, improve the quality of life for the trainees, and contribute to a thriving hospitality sector.

In Vietnam, “Learning for Life” was first implemented in the Central region, where the restaurant - hotel industry is in the progress of development. The demand for local jobs has increased especially since the pandemic, and labors need more training in soft skills to help develop themselves, thereby helping them confidently approach job opportunities. In early 2023, Learning for Life’s first training was held Thang Binh district, Quang Nam province, approached 85 unemployed people from 18 years old or above  in the area.

Ms. Ha Thi Vy, Vice Principal of Danang Vocational Tourism College, shared: "Our goal is to contribute to promoting the quality of education by creating opportunities for students be exposed and well prepared for job opportunities after graduation. We truly appreciate the collaboration with corporations such as this coordination with Diageo Group to students improve their skills and professionalism."

Diageo Vietnam will cooperate with governmental departments, educational and training organizations in local areas to further expand the "Learning for Life" program to other provinces and cities to support the growth of the individuals involved in particular, the hospitality industry in general, as well as actively contribute to economic development in local areas.

Ms. Huynh Thi Thanh Truc – Corporate Relations Director of Diageo Vietnam, said: "With the ‘Learning For Life’ program, Diageo Vietnam aims to create more employment opportunities, contribute to enhance labors’ skills and life quality and promote economic development in local areas. We hope these first successful training courses will be the solid foundation to continue developing the program and spreading the value of equality in learning opportunities to Vietnamese youngsters, thereby, building a more prosperous hospitality industry, a more developed society in the future. The courses are personalized to best suit students in the central region and designed to be practical so they can immediately apply gained skills and knowledge to their work and lives.”

“Learning for Life” is a project in the Spirit of Progress 2030 of Diageo Global. Diageo wants to create a positive impact in the company, with the communities and for society with targets in activities such as promoting positive drinking, champion inclusion and diversity, and pioneer grain to glass sustainability. Through the program, Diageo Vietnam continues to affirm its vision of a humanistic business who is truly dedicated to build a better future for all.