The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level One and Level Two awards in beer are now officially recognised by Ofqual, two years after the introduction of the qualifications.  The WSET said that the recognition will help strengthen the profile of the courses across key markets.  The fourth qualification category – following wine, spirits and sake – the education provider said that…

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has appointed Tamara Roberts as chair of its board of trustees, taking over from Simon McMurtrie, who has chaired the board since 2020.  The WSET has also added Andrew Paynter to its board of trustees, replacing Dan Jago, who has been a trustee since 2020.  Roberts has been the CEO of English wine…

Drinks United has partnered with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to launch its first industry-wide survey.  The survey seeks to gather insight into how the UK drinks industry can be more united, inclusive and supportive by understanding the lived experiences of professionals across the trade.  Drinks United said that by identifying challenges, opportunities and areas in need of…

The Drinks Trust has reopened the WSET Bursary as part of its DEVELOP programme. It aims to create equal upskilling opportunities across the drinks trade. First launched three years ago, the DEVELOP programme provides fully funded training and educational courses to those working in or aspiring to work in the drinks sector. The partnership with the WSET offers several bursaries…

Gareth Lawrence, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s (WSET) longest-serving member of staff and one of its most respected educators, has passed away at the age of 69 following a prolonged period of ill health. Lawrence joined the fledgling WSET in 1978 as general administrator and quickly became a central figure in the organisation’s growth, particularly through his work in education.

A series of industry players have come together to launch the inaugural National Wine Careers Week (NWCW).  The campaign is being supported by Plumpton College, sparkling wine brand Nyetimber, the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Wine GB and Drinks United.  NWCW said the week will take place from May 12–18, with a goal to raise awareness of how many jobs the…

Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has announced the launch of two new diploma centres in Toronto, Canada.  From August, George Brown College will offer the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines.  This follows Fine Vintage, also in Toronto, which became WSET-approved in November 2024.  The approval at Fine Vintage came 14 years after the institution first began delivering diploma courses…