Diageo and Florida International University Join Forces to Prepare Unemployed for Jobs in Hospitality & Tourism

NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, is pleased to announce the graduation of the inaugural class of Learning Skills for Life (LSFL), an innovative, first-of-its-kind program in the United States. The program, designed to train unemployed and underemployed South Floridians, provides both life and business skills needed to find employment in the hospitality industry with a focus on retail, enterprise, bartending and teaching. The graduating class consists of 50 students from a variety of backgrounds including single mothers and veterans. The graduation took place today at Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus.

Randy Millian, President of Diageo Latin America & the Caribbean, who spoke at the event said, "I would like to congratulate the graduates on all of their hard work. Learning Skills for Life is at the core of Diageo's commitment to invest in our community and provide value across the region. I am proud to be a part of this program that empowers individuals to control of their own destiny, become self sufficient through meaningful employment and become contributors in their communities."

Together with academic partner FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Diageo developed the six-week program in which students from a variety of community and employment workforce agencies can receive up to six specialized certifications from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. Additionally, participants receive training in valuable life skills including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, managing personal finances and computer skills.

LSFL is based on similar programs funded by Diageo throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and is the first such initiative in the United States.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards Wines.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo