NEW ORLEANS (press release) – New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) in partnership with Diageo North America announces its 14-person inaugural class for its newest job readiness bartender training, certification and empowerment program, Learning Skills for Life.
INAUGURAL CLASS
The inaugural class of Learning Skills for Life at NOCHI is comprised of 14 individuals ranging broadly in age from 21 to 49 years old. 71% of students are female and 93% are African-American. Per program requirements, none of the participants have prior bartending experience; all indicate a strong desire to pursue lucrative careers in bartending and hospitality.
GUEST INSTRUCTORS
Special guest instructors for the opening program will include: Touré Folkes of Turning Tables; Dee Taylor of Cocktails by POP; Ryan Plas of Coquette; and Bambi Ray of Astor Wines & Spirits, NYC. Additional industry partners include 45 Tchoup, Erin Rose, Avenue Pub, Emeril’s Restaurants, 504HealthNet, Dress for Success, and New York Life.
Launched globally in 2008, Diageo’s Learning Skills for Life program provides educational and vocational opportunities, along with hospitality and life skills training, to underserved, unemployed, and underemployed members of the community. The free, four-week program supports NOCHI’s ongoing mission to provide current and aspiring members of the hospitality industry access to long-term career opportunities. By enrolling in Learning Skills for Life, participants will receive intensive, hands-on training in bartending, as well as development in areas such as personal financing, resume creation, and interviewing.
Classes began Monday, Jan. 13 and the program culminates with graduation on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The next class program will be offered from June 1 – July 1. The deadline to apply is May 1. Please visit www.nochi.org for more information on applying.
