FAQ

Have a question? Check our answers to frequently asked questions below.
We've put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Wine Guild Education and the courses we offer, how to apply and what the courses involve. If you have more questions or would like to get in touch, use our contact page here.

The courses are designed for delivery on-line , with face to face training taking place via ‘ZOOM’ or similar group sessions, with the option for some to be in the workplace if employers wish and distancing guidelines can be met.

Background materials will be provided on-line and will need to be studied in participants’ own time prior to the tutored group training sessions, which will focus on how knowledge and skills gained can be applied in the workplace.

Course delivery on longer courses can be flexible to ensure that training is scheduled to cause minimal disruption to work patterns and peak demands. Longer courses will also allow for one-to-one guidance as required within the programme.

Entry requirements and selection are determined by the employer.

Short courses are individually priced – see the Course details. Employers are invited to discuss options and available discounts.

The 1 Year Hospitality Professional Course qualifies for Levy funding as a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hospitality (Team Member – wine service pathway). The course will therefore be free to participants. Organisations not subject to the Levy qualify for 95% grants in a co-funding arrangement.

The courses all aim to develop knowledge of wine and wine service within the broader business context.
The focus is on professional work based behaviours.

Building excellent customer relationships and revenues underlies all courses.

The 1-year course develops an understanding on the value of building business activities

Knowledge is developed through bespoke industry based content, understanding underlying business principles, creating team confidence and the value of individual contribution.

Business contexts are explained and illustrated to help create commercial insights.

The 1-year Hospitality Professional course is externally assessed and qualifies as a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hospitality (Team member – wine service pathway).

Other courses are aimed at effective performance in the workplace rather than specific standards. Wine Guild Education certificates will be awarded to those successfully completing courses.

Short courses for specific employers can be adapted to suit the specific requirements of the business and of the individual employees. Courses can provide a focus on wines and wine service as required by company standards and build on existing knowledge, skills and experience of the individuals concerned.

The course content for the 1-year Hospitality Professional is required to meet national apprenticeship standards at level 2. Within that there is scope to adapt elements of the course to specific workplace requirements and practices.

All courses for professionals are aimed at delivery which can be fitted within work schedules.

For longer courses Trainers will work with participants’ line and senior managers to ensure that all levels of expectations are met. A significant part of the assessment is ‘Work-based evidence’ gathered during the course to demonstrate that knowledge and skills gained are being used in the workplace.

Short courses are scheduled to start and run on specified dates – for dates and availability please contact info@wineguildeducation.org.
Dedicated short courses for specific employers can be scheduled to suit the employer’s needs.
The 1-year Hospitality Professional course can start at any time to suit the Employer.

Within the 1-year time-frame delivery can be scheduled to fit with peaks of activity in the workplace.
Modules can be delivered to accelerate particular elements of knowledge or skills, and to reflect existing levels of knowledge and experience.

Wine Guild Education is a trading name for the Wine Guild Educational Trust, the charitable arm of the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom.

Course contents have been developed by a team of Councillors and senior members of the Wine Guild, led by Vice Chancellor Mike Hildesley, including experienced wine makers, educators, writers, and sommeliers, working with Course Leader Veronique Bonnefoy of Skills Republic. Course delivery is in association with Skills Republic, a recognised trainer for apprenticeship programmes with extensive experience in training for Hospitality Service.

The team that developed the courses includes:

Veronique Bonnefoy, Course Leader, has extensive experience both working in food and wine service in her native France and in the UK, as well as in hospitality service training in the UK. Veronique created L’Escoffier training restaurant while lecturing at [Westminster …].  Veronique champions high standards and takes delight in seeing  her students advance far within the hospitality industry.  As well as being Course Leader, Veronique has been a key member of the team preparing the courses for on-line delivery.

Mike Hildesley is Vice Chancellor of The Wine Guild of the UK, where he created and has championed its educational charity. He is passionate about wine, music, conservation and creating opportunities for young people to develop careers through workplace training and improved education. He wants to see wine service standards in the UK and worldwide raised to meet the high standards now achieved in food preparation and service. Mike would like to acknowledge his debt to Maggie McNie MW, with whom he helped mentor students studying for the Master of Wine examinations, as well as co-creating and co-leading an introductory course on wine for the Hospitality Industry, and another on wine& food matching linked to creating a cellar, from which Wine Guild Education’s courses have grown.

Dr. Tim Short is a member of The Wine Guild of the UK’s Council and Trustee of Wine Guild Education. Recently retired from a successful City career, and with a strong academic background, Tim has been developing his own wine expertise while studying for his Wine Diploma, lending his expertise to help make the courses as relevant and accessible to students as we can.

Prof. Kathy Burk, Dip.WSET  is a member of The Wine Guild of the UK’s Council, a Trustee of Wine Guild Education, wine writer and recognised authority on the wines of Germany and Austria.