Carrie-Anne Jones registered with Gemma Leitch, a Work Coach
with the East Ayrshire Works service, in July 2020. In that time she has
successfully undertaken professional training in the specialist drinks industry
– becoming one of the first female Whisky Ambassadors in Scotland.
Not only did Carrie-Anne undertake her training during the
many challenges of a global pandemic, she also passed her professional training
with flying colours, showing the drinks industry and world of whisky that she
is a ready to take on her next challenge and move in to a professional role in
the specialist drinks industry.
Here is Carrie-Anne’s journey with East Ayrshire Works so
far:
· What training did you undertake with East Ayrshire Works?
The first
part of my professional training that I undertook with East Ayrshire Works was
the Whisky Ambassador Course. The course
was all online and gave me a fantastic introduction to the whisky world and how
I could develop my knowledge further in the field. After completion, I then travelled to
Edinburgh to the Edinburgh Whisky Academy where I studied and completed the
Diploma in Single Malt Whisky and the Diploma in the Art of Tasting
Whisky.
Tell us about your experience so far:
I
have always been passionate about all things whisky related and was keen to
understand if I could pursue a career in the whisky industry and have always
dreamt of working as an Ambassador one day. My experience so far has given me
the opportunity to study whisky in the specialist drinks industry, gain
knowledge on the subject I am most excited and passionate about and build my
career around.
·
Now that you have completed your training, what
are you hoping to achieve in the future?
My
dream job would be a Whisky Ambassador for a locally based company that allowed
me to travel the world and promote Scottish whisky. I would love to share my
whisky knowledge with people from all over the globe and promote the amazing
products we have in Scotland. A goal of mine would be to change people’s
perception of whisky - that it’s not just the “strong man’s drink” and that it
can be enjoyed by everyone. I feel there is a need for more female Scottish
Whisky Ambassadors out there and I am delighted to be one of the first. I am
actively pursuing local opportunities in the specialist drinks sector and am
excited about my future in the upcoming months once the hospitality industry
picks up again. I hope to be able to raise a glass with you all soon!
·
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of
accessing training and employability support with East Ayrshire Works?
I
have greatly enjoyed working Gemma Leitch, my Work Coach in Cumnock, at East
Ayrshire Works. I have found the experience incredibly supportive and
encouraging. My experience with EAW has made me more confident and has
motivated me to pursue a career in something I have always been passionate
about. I would recommend anyone to access training and employability
opportunities through East Ayrshire Works and to get in touch as I did not so
long ago.