The WSET Ireland Bursary Programme is a new initiative designed to support hospitality professionals
The Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund is delighted to announce the launch of the WSET Ireland Bursary Programme, a new initiative designed to support hospitality professionals experiencing long-term financial hardship through access to globally recognised education and training.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund is a registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals working in Ireland’s restaurant and hospitality sector by providing financial assistance to those employed in the sector. Through this new programme, the Fund aims to help individuals overcome financial hardship by providing training that enhances job retention, career progression and long-term employment opportunities.
Through the initiative, up to 20 successful applicants will receive funding to complete WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wines and/or Spirits through participating Irish WSET course providers.
The WSET Ireland Bursary Programme reflects a shared commitment to investing in people and ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent hospitality professionals from accessing high quality education and developing rewarding careers within the sector.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or over.
- Be resident in the Republic of Ireland.
- Have an Irish mobile phone number.
- Hold an Irish bank account.
- Complete the official application form.
Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said:
“Hospitality is built on people and investing in people is one of the best investments we can make as an industry. Through the Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund, we are proud to partner with WSET to provide internationally recognised qualifications to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access them.
“The WSET Ireland Bursary Programme is about more than education. It is about creating pathways to long-term careers, improving confidence in the workplace and helping people progress within our industry.
“The Benevolent Fund has always been there to support members of our industry through difficult times. This programme represents another way of providing support by helping people develop the skills they need to build successful and rewarding careers in hospitality.”
Speaking on behalf of WSET, Rachel Webster, Global Business Director, said:
“At WSET, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to access education, regardless of financial circumstances. This partnership reflects something we care about deeply, removing barriers, not just providing qualifications. We’re proud to work alongside our course providers across Ireland to deliver these first qualifications, and to give the hospitality professionals the tools and confidence to progress in their careers.”
Applications will be assessed by the Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund in line with the programme’s eligibility criteria. Further information on the application process, participating WSET course providers and application deadlines will be announced in due course.
