Diageo has announced the launch of its inaugural “Learning for Life” hospitality training program in Ethiopia, aimed at unemployed youth aged 21-28 with formal training in accommodation. With a total cost of 2.7 million birr, the program successfully graduated 50 students at the pilot level, placing them in a three-month paid internship.
On June 27, 2024, Diageo celebrated the graduation of the program’s first class, aligning with the company’s 10-year plan to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. This initiative aims to showcase trainees’ skills to potential employers, promoting job retention and career growth.
Hailemelekot Mamo, Vice President of ET Holidays & Digital/GCIC, praised Diageo’s commitment to job creation in Ethiopia and encouraged graduates to pursue their passions in the tourism and hospitality sector. He emphasized the sector’s importance in creating job opportunities in the country.
Originally conceived in Latin America in 2008, the Learning for Life program has since expanded globally, impacting the lives of over 200,000 people. The program aims to improve employment prospects and livelihoods by providing essential business and hospitality skills.
Beyond the initial three-month period, Diageo plans to sustain the Learning for Life program through ongoing support, training, funding, partnerships, and program expansion. Diageo is committed to empowering individuals with critical business and hospitality qualifications, facilitating their integration into the workforce, and strengthening Ethiopia’s hospitality sector.
Through strategic collaboration with local educational institutions, governmental bodies, and industry stakeholders, Learning for Life aims to promote equitable access to opportunities, improve employment prospects, and contribute to broader economic growth.
