Diageo Empowers 150 Youth Through Hospitality Graduation

Jun 7 , 2025

Diageo celebrated the graduation of the second cohort from its Learning for Life (L4L) Hospitality Training Program on June 5, 2025, at Skylight Hotel. Building on the success of its 2024 pilot, which trained 50 participants, this year’s cohort expanded to 150 trainees tripling the program’s reach. The initiative, designed to equip unemployed youth with essential hospitality and business skills, seeks to boost employability and improve livelihoods. Delivered in partnership with Simply Black Advertising and the Qirqos District Administration, the program offers a three-month, hands-on learning experience with a strong emphasis on inclusion, prioritising women and underrepresented communities. To date, 33 graduates have secured full-time employment with partner organisations, including Au-Thopia Hotel, Debre Damo Hotel, Limetree, Andinet Butchery, Hiwot Café, and the Jambo Group, many during their paid internship placements. The L4L program forms part of Diageo’s broader 10-year commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. Aligned with national efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education, the initiative is poised for annual expansion through 2030 and is emerging as a model for workforce readiness in growing the hospitality sector.