International travel and a four-week job placement are among the features of Shake Your Future, a free professional bartender training programme launched by Bacardi Limited in partnership with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development.

The initiative, which is designed to empower unemployed young adults, is a first for Bermuda.

Created in 2018, Shake Your Future has spread across the globe including in Italy, France, India, South Africa and other markets.

Bacardi said 80 per cent of graduates secured successful careers in the hospitality industry.

The inaugural Shake Your Future Bermuda offering will see five individuals enrolled in a ten-week training programme that includes four weeks of training in London at the European Bartending School, followed by a four-week job placement opportunity with bars and restaurants in Bermuda, along with two weeks of personal branding and marketing workshops.

Graduates receive an internationally recognised diploma and are empowered to transform their lives and build a brighter future, Bacardi said.

Douglas Mello, Bacardi Limited managing director, said: “Shake Your Future is a truly transformative programme that changes lives and builds a brighter future for our graduates. We have seen the impact it has had in other countries and are proud to be introducing the programme to Bermuda, home of our global headquarters.

“We are committed to giving back to our community and continuing to support the needs of bar owners and hospitality partners by introducing new, exciting talent now and for the future.”

According to the most recent statistics published in the 2020 Labour Force Survey Report, Bacardi said, the jobless rate for Bermudians was 9.6 per cent, with Black Bermudians being hardest hit by the pandemic-induced recession.

The jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds was 32 per cent while the unemployment rate for 25 to 34-year-olds was 8.3 per cent.

The 2018 Bermuda Hospitality Needs Assessment Study, carried out by PwC Bermuda for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, indicated that Bermuda’s need for hospitality workers will increase as new hotels open on the island.

These are challenges that family-owned Bacardi has recognised and is committed to working with the Bermuda Government in playing a part to resolve, the company said.

“I am excited for the launch of the Bacardi Shake Your Future Programme”, said Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour.

“I am pleased that the Government is partnering with Bacardi, a global leader in the spirits industry, to unleash the potential in a future generation of bartenders.

“This programme is an excellent opportunity to learn a trade that can place individuals on the path to success. The robust training curriculum will equip individuals with the skill sets required for a rewarding career in bartending and mixology, and I thank Bacardi for spearheading this wonderful initiative.”

For information about how to apply, see the Bermuda Job Board and type “Shake Your Future” into the search box.

The application deadline is Friday.