Nine young people have formed the second cohort of a programme designed to stir up more local bartenders.

Shake Your Future, a collaboration between the Bermuda Government and Bacardi, includes teaching at the European Bartender School in London and on the job training.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, thanked Bacardi, stating: “This partnership, characterised by significant investment from the Government and Bacardi, represents our shared dedication to supporting Bermuda’s youth through transformative initiatives,” Mr Hayward said.

Many members of the first group are now fully employed as bartenders.

Last year, Kierra Lee made history by winning the Taste of Bermuda: Set The Bar Cocktail Competition, last October, becoming the youngest winner and the first female to claim the top spot.

A spokesman for Shake Your Future said Ms Lee’s achievement underscored the programme’s inclusivity and the calibre of talent nurtured through it.

Douglas Mello, managing director of Bacardi Limited, said their partnership with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development continued to pave the way for promising young adults by providing free, professional bartender training, strengthening Bermuda’s local industry, and improving the island’s hospitality product.

“We are excited to watch this new group thrive at the European Bartending School in London and return with skills that promise to enrich our community and continue the legacy of their successful predecessors,” he said.