Propel Your Career
Student profile: Meet Amanda
Amanda is a top performer in her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines studies with IWEG. Here’s why and how she did it:
I’ve been working in the beverage alcohol industry for about eight years now and I came into it with very basic level knowledge – I knew I preferred red wine over white but that was basically the extent. I was intrigued by how much there was to know about wine and spirits, so I made it my mission to learn all I could. All of my colleagues recommended the WSET so I went for it!
Completing the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines was challenging but also so rewarding! I finally have the confidence I’ve been lacking in the tasting room and I having a solid understanding of wines and spirits that has allowed me to propel my career at the LCBO. Also, I love being able to pass on some of my knowledge to friends and family. The wine industry can be very intimidating to people who aren’t in the industry so it’s great being able to teach others about wine in a digestible way.
Studying for a WSET course takes a lot of autonomy and dedication. Essentially what you get out of the program depends on what you put into it. Don’t let the tastings intimidate you; it’s all about discussion and learning. When it comes to learning the material, do what feels right for you! I personally loved using maps for visuals and I used cue cards to study with.
Drinkclusion Mentorship Program
Drinks Ontario recognizes that a diversity of voices brings strength to the beverage alcohol industry through new and different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge.
Drinks Ontario has launched the Drinkclusion Mentorship Program to promote diversity and inclusion in the beverage alcohol industry by offering mentorship opportunities and support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who are entering, or already established in, the beverage alcohol industry.
Eligibility:
- People who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ2SIA+, and/or have an invisible or visible disability
- Early to mid-level career in beverage alcohol
- Based in Ontario
- 21 years and older as of January 1st, 2022
The mentorship program dates are from April 25th, 2022 to September 25th, 2022.
To apply to be a mentee, click here! The deadline date to apply is March 18th, 2022.
For more information about the mentors, click here.
If you have any questions, contact Pam Panesar.
Build your confidence when making a cocktail, reading a drinks list or stocking up your bar
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
Date: Mondays, February 28th and March 7th @ 6:30pm – 9pm. Exam on March 7th at 8:30pm.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits is a beginner level spirits course is for those starting a career in the industry or enthusiasts exploring spirits and cocktails for personal interest. You will build your confidence when making a cocktail, reading a drinks list or stocking up your bar.
This 6-hour course provides a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits and cocktails. You’ll explore the main types and styles of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavours and aromas.
You’ll learn:
- The main types and styles of spirits
- The basic principles of spirits production
- How to serve spirits and cocktails
- Factors affecting the flavour of spirits
- How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)
Prerequisite: None.
The course will be delivered by IWEG’s Certified Educator and lead bartender at Delta Toronto Alexander Boyd DipWSET.
Alexander Boyd
Alexander Boyd DipWSET is a hospitality professional with more than 10 years industry experience. In his current role as Restaurant Supervisor at the Delta Toronto he is responsible for development and implementation of beverage programs in the Delta Hotel’s food and beverage outlets as well as developing and delivering educational content and tutored tastings. He has developed extensive knowledge of wine & spirits, academically through the WSET curriculum, completing the Diploma in 2018, and many years in customer facing roles, including curating and maintaining a list of more than 250 whiskies at Char No. 5, the Delta Hotel’s lobby bar.
Born and raised in New Zealand, his career in the hospitality industry has taken him from the South Island to the Okanagan and through the Canadian Rockies before landing in Toronto in 2014 as part of the opening team at the Delta Toronto. What started as professional curiosity quickly developed into personal passion after enrolling in the WSET Level 2 while living in Alberta, continuing with the Level 3 and the Diploma program at IWEG. Outside of work, he likes to spend time with his lovely wife, Coco, and their Border Collie, Pepper. While he has a particular passion for Scotch whisky, he also enjoys the creative side of cocktail bartending, working on flavour combinations and presentations inspired by experiences and flavours from exploring the world around him.
Teaching approach:
My teaching career actually began in one of my first jobs out of high school, as a cross country ski instructor. My approach is rooted in guided discovery, giving students the opportunity to make connections and grow their knowledge organically. Above all I try to bring my own passion for the subject matter to bear to inspire the same in my students.