Applications for Equal Measures’ Forming Foundations Programme first course, in April, are now open.
Equal Measures, the organisation founded by Deano Moncrieffe to support marginalised and underrepresented people within the drinks industry, has announced a new programme that is designed to provide a route into hospitality for those of Black, Asian, and other minority ethnicities, or those who have faced other systemic barriers to employment such as gender non-conformity, sexuality, or neurodivergence.
The ‘Forming Foundations’ programme is a touring three-day course aimed at educating, upskilling, and inspiring the next generation of diverse, bartending superstars. The first session, funded by Johnnie Walker and now accepting applications, takes place from 24th to 26th April at Milroy’s of Spitalfields in London’s Tower Hamlets. Participants will receive a WSET Level 1 in Spirits certificate; vocational training; classic cocktail masterclasses; and talks from industry experts, as well as visiting local venues to see different styles of service. Those who complete the course will be also offered trial shifts at a Nightcap or Inception Group venue, allowing them to put their new knowledge and skills to work, and kickstart their careers in hospitality.
Equal Measures’ Forming Foundations programme is open to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic adults (18 and over) within Tower Hamlets and the surrounding areas who are looking to pursue an exciting career in the drinks industry. The programme is also open to others who have faced systemic barriers due to reasons such as gender non-conformity, sexuality, or neurodivergence.
Deano Moncrieffe, Founder of Equal Measures UK states, “I am incredibly proud and excited to see this project finally come to life after so many years in development. Our Project and Marketing Manager Vicky llankovan has been a driving force in getting this over the line and I’m incredibly grateful that she shares such passion as I do for the Foundations programme. We are hopeful that this will be the first step for some of our new students to have successful and amazing future career in our industry.”
If you would like to apply for a place, or know someone who should, you can find more information about Equal Measures here, and apply for a place on the first Forming Foundations course here.