Supporting the Next Generation of Distillers: Worshipful Company of Distillers Bursary
Worshipful Company of Distillers Bursaries
For aspiring distillers, gaining the right knowledge and qualifications can be an important step towards building a career in the industry. With support from the WCD bursary, Maddy Blackwell was able to complete the CIBD General Certificate in Distilling and build on her existing passion for spirits.
We caught up with her to hear about her experience of the qualification, how it has supported her career so far, and her plans for the future.
What motivated you to apply for the WCD bursary, and how did receiving it help you?
At the time as a part time bartender, the General Certificate wasn't necessarily something I could afford so the WCD bursary definitely helped me out.
How did you find studying for the General Certificate, and what was the most valuable thing you learned?
I found studying for the General Certificate incredibly easy, the information was well presented and accessible. The most valuable thing I learned would be the more technical and specific aspects of the distillation process in particular for rum and whisky as those are the spirits I hope to be producing in the future.
How has achieving the General Certificate benefited you in your current role or career?
It's definitely opened doors and helped people take me seriously. Since getting it I've helped out at couple whisky distilleries applying and expanding my knowledge there. I'm currently working as a brewer at Hive Mind Meadery until I can find a distillery position, the qualification is proving invaluable and what I've learned comes up regularly in my day to day work.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the bursary or taking the qualification?
Show off your enthusiasm and passion for distilling and highlight as many relevant achievements as possible. I come from a hospitality background so was very familiar with spirits going into it. While not necessary I also have a chemistry degree so could get to grips with some of the more technical aspects of the learning materials quickly.
What are your future career or professional development plans? Do you hope to take any further CIBD qualifications?
I'm currently on the Atonia Programme with OurWhisky Foundation alongside some other wonderful women in whisky and progressing in my own goal of getting more experience in distilleries and networking to hopefully land myself a job at a distillery in the future. I'm looking to undertake the Diploma in Distilling next and eventually the Master Distiller Qualification.