Eight Bermudians have graduated from the second cohort of the Bacardi Shake Your Future bartender training programme.

The project is a collaboration between the Government of Bermuda and island-based Bacardi, the largest privately owned spirits company in the world.

The programme offers training at the internationally recognised European Bartender School in London and on-the-job experience, personal branding and soft skills, allowing graduates to succeed in the hospitality industry and raising the standard for bartenders/mixologists.

The latest graduates are Stevontae Somersall-Ahknaton, Jahlae Raynor, Dazhon Dillas, Kenai Stowe, James Jones-Tyrell, Alvin-Ae Landy, Precious Hayward-Evans and Darreana Burchall.

A government spokesman said many of those who have completed the programme are employed full time as bartenders in the hospitality industry.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said: "I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bacardi for their unwavering commitment to creating valuable training opportunities for our youth in the hospitality industry.

“This partnership, marked by significant investment from both the Government and Bacardi, highlights our collective dedication to empowering Bermuda's young people through transformative initiatives."

Douglas Mello, Bacardi Ltd managing director, added: “We are immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of the second cohort of the Bacardi Shake Your Future programme.

“These eight outstanding graduates have shown exceptional dedication and skill, mastering complex aspects of bartending and hospitality.

“This programme not only opens professional doors for them but also enriches Bermuda's hospitality sector.

“We look forward to their continued success and innovation as they bring their new skills to the forefront of the industry.”