Diageo’s Learning for Life delivers first AI training module
to equip hospitality professionals for a changing world of work
Diageo’s Learning for Life programme has introduced its inaugural AI-focused training session, bringing together current and previous course participants to develop practical skills in artificial intelligence for the hospitality sector.
Held last month in Glasgow in partnership with Movement to Work, the session featured representatives from Accenture and Microsoft who guided attendees through the realities of AI in the modern workplace.
The training marks a significant step for Learning for Life, Diageo’s hospitality employability programme delivered in partnership with charity Springboard, as it responds to a growing digital skills gap in customer-facing industries. The programme supports 1,100 young people each year, equipping them with the skills and confidence to build long-term careers in hospitality.
Recent research shows that while 82% of accommodation employers say digital skills are critical for the future, only 16% currently prioritise training for their staff. Meanwhile, those in operational, guest-facing roles are adopting AI at a far slower rate than desk-based professionals.
The session tackled both the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI. Attendees arrived with mixed experience using AI, from complete beginners to those who actively use AI tools for streamlining administrative tasks, refining creative work, and benefitting people with dyslexia.
Designed to provide practical generative AI skills, the training introduced tools such as Microsoft Copilot and explored how they can support job-seeking and pathways into employment within hospitality. The session also helped young people understand what AI can and cannot do, empowering them to harness the technology responsibly as they prepare for the future of work.
Participants reported using AI to assist with recipes, emails, and promotional materials, while some acknowledged leaning on the tools during their education and now want to understand how to incorporate them in a professional context.
The overwhelming sentiment by the session’s close was that education is the most powerful antidote to misconceptions around AI. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how AI can support their job search, as well as greater confidence in applying and interviewing for roles, areas that many young jobseekers can often find challenging.
Reflecting on the session, Gillian Dalziel, Diageo Learning for Life Programme Manager, said: “Hospitality will always be built on human connection, but the industry is evolving quickly. Our learners told us they see AI everywhere, yet many haven’t had the opportunity to explore how it can support their development and future careers. This session was about building confidence, improving understanding and helping people use AI in a positive and practical way.
“Technology will continue to shape hospitality, but people and personal experiences remain at the heart of the industry. We want our learners to feel equipped to embrace both.”
Charlotte McGrath, CEO of Movement to Work, added: “The world of work is changing quickly, and we want young people to feel confident and prepared for the opportunities ahead. These sessions are about helping young people build practical AI skills and feel confident using AI responsibly, to strengthen their job search and help them take confident steps towards their future careers.”
Among the participants, Mori Lawarsho, a student in the current Learning for Life cohort said: “I hadn’t used AI before because at school it was always classed as plagiarism, so I was nervous about it. Like a lot of my friends, I’ve been worried about what AI means for jobs in hospitality. But the course was really informative, and the activities were so practical, from applying for jobs to scheduling tasks during busy shifts. Hearing it explained properly changed my perspective completely and I’ve come away feeling confident rather than fearful.”
The Accenture and Microsoft representatives emphasised that AI is best understood as the latest iteration of technology that has been shaping consumer behaviour for years, from predictive text and streaming algorithms to voice assistants. The key message was that AI can accelerate workflows, but the thinking, intuition, and emotional intelligence remain human.
Diageo will now incorporate AI training into Learning for Life courses across the UK, ensuring the programme’s graduates enter the workforce equipped not only with exceptional hospitality instincts but with the digital confidence to match their desk-based counterparts.
