Diageo, Balter And UVI Cell Form Partnership To Offer Professional Training In Hospitality Industry

ST. CROIX — Diageo USVI, in partnership with Balter St. Croix and the UVICELL Center announced on Thursday that registration is currently ongoing for the Learning for Life ™ program — an initiative offering individuals ages 18-24 an opportunity to gain professional training in the hospitality service industry — in St. Croix.

According to the release, participants in the program will select one of two tracks: Culinary Arts or Bartending. While the program does not require that participants have any experience to participate, they must have a serious interest in furthering their skills in the hospitality service industry.

Applications are due by August 12. Individuals interested in participating in the program will be required to attend a mandatory information session on Friday, August 12. The session will be held at the UVICELL Center in Frederiksted and will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Interested persons will also be required to attend a mandatory orientation at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, at the UVICELL Center.

The Learning for Life ™ program is a global training initiative introduced by Diageo to help individuals develop valuable life skills and build career opportunities. Participants will be provided with classroom-based technical instruction, general life skills, followed by an internship in the hospitality industry.

“We are proud to once again partner with Diageo on this transformative program. We welcome the opportunity to partner with organizations on initiatives such as this, where we can provide the community with the necessary skills to enter the workforce,” said Ilene Garner, Director of the UVICELL Center. “Our goal is to not only equip individuals with the skills to find a job, but we also want them to focus on building a career,” continued Garner.

While free to participants, the program is being underwritten by Diageo. It is administered by the UVICELL Center and Balter St. Croix will provide the technical training for students enrolled in both the bartending and culinary arts track.

For more information on the program or directions to the UVICELL Center, call (340) 692-4230 or visit http://cell.uvi.edu.