Whisky broker VCL Vintners has partnered with The Drinks Trust, the UK drinks industry charity, to support a new bursary aimed at helping individuals from the drinks industry earn a Certificate in Scotch Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA) through the Trust’s acclaimed DEVELOP educational programme.
The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 across the UK (Scotch Whisky Association) with whisky sales in the on-trade accounting for £959m (CGA OPM 2023). Increased duty on spirits, rising operating costs and supply chain challenges, however, have led to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the hospitality sector in 2025 and widespread closures across the country. This collaboration seeks to provide targeted support to individuals facing financial hardship and unemployment, giving them the skills and qualifications needed to build their careers within the industry.
“Upskilling and retaining talent is absolutely critical to the future of the drinks sector,” said Benjamin Lancaster, founder and partner of VCL Vintners. “By supporting The Drinks Trust’s DEVELOP Programme and offering the EWA Certificate in Scotch Whisky Certificate to those most in need, we’re proud to invest in the long-term resilience of our industry.”
The Drinks Trust’s educational service, DEVELOP, launched in 2022, has already trained over 3,000 individuals, equipping them with skills in areas ranging from mixology, retail, wine and beer, and now, whisky expertise. However, demand continues to grow and, despite its success, the programme currently faces a £100,000 funding gap to meet increasing need across the sector.
In addition to funding bursaries through the VCL Foundation, which aims to create a pathway for individuals to develop skills and knowledge that will enable them to excel within the whisky industry, irrespective of their background, VCL Vintners’ entire workforce will take the EWA Certificate in Scotch Whisky. This move will ensure that staff benefit from the same high-quality education and industry knowledge, with VCL committing to incorporating EWA training as part of its induction programme for any new member of staff.
The bursaries will be available to eligible individuals who are currently unemployed, underemployed or experiencing financial hardship, in line with The Drinks Trust’s mission to provide vocational support to those most impacted by the economic downturn. Recent data suggests that one in five working-age adults in the UK will face financial hardship in 2025, adding further urgency to initiatives like this.
Nicola Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome VCL Vintners as a supporter of our DEVELOP Programme. Their dedication to fostering both internal and external education sets a strong example of how the industry can come together to invest in its people, strengthen resilience, and secure a sustainable future.”
Kirsty McKerrow, Founder & Managing Director of Edinburgh Whisky Academy, says: “At Edinburgh Whisky Academy, we’re passionate about making whisky education accessible to all. Partnering with The Drinks Trust, and with the generous support of VCL Vintners, we can support those who need it most and ensure the future of our industry remains strong and inclusive.”
For more information on the bursary programme or to apply, visit: https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop/our-courses
