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 launched an initiative to train and support ambitious young wine professionals.
The initiative is aimed at young wine professionals within the EU (plus the UK) who are at the beginning of their careers and working in the wine industry, including hospitality, wine tourism and distribution. Up to thirty young professionals from these sectors will be offered places on a tailor-made online WSET “Level 2 Award in Wines” course. Participants will receive online tuition, a package of 40 wines for home tasting (provided by Vinovae) and will take their final exam at the end of the course at ProWein 2021. They will receive complimentary tickets to ProWein 2021 to attend a welcome breakfast and a series of tastings under the guidance of leading producers. The WSET will also offer this group of young wine professionals ongoing mentorship.
To apply, all interested wine trade professionals under the age of 30 must complete a short pre-application screening and explain why the program will help them achieve their career goals in the industry. They must also be prepared to attend ProWein 2021 (March 19 – 23 in Düsseldorf, Germany). All applications must be received by Monday, November 30, 2020. The six-week online course will start in January 2021. Participants will be informed by the end of December 2020. Further information on the WSET’s “Level 2 Award in Wines” online course is available at www.wsetglobal.com
Joseph Hallam, WSET Business Development Manager EMEA, stated: “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 recognized wine qualification and being part of an ongoing mentorship program.”
Bastian Mingers, Director of ProWein, added: “The COVID-19 crisis has brought many changes and new challenges for the wine industry. It is especially difficult for newcomers to find their way around. 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.”
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 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 recognized as an awarding organization 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: www.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, Germany for concentrated business. For more than 25 years, ProWein has been known for its strict trade visitor concept and its unique range of products and services. It continually developed from a small wine trade fair into the international No. 1 event for the wine and spirits industry. For more information: www.prowein.com
For further information on visiting or exhibiting at ProWein 2021, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.prowein.com and www.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago
