Funding Announced For Drinks Industry Vocational Award

The Scottish whisky industry has been boosted by a Skills Development Scotland initiative to fund vocational training for its workers.  SDS is investing in 200 workers so they can gain the Spirit Industry Vocational Qualification (SIVQ), a level 2 SVQ specially created by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for Scotland's spirit producers.  The measure was announced by the new Skills Minister Angela Constance at the North British Distillery Company's plant in Edinburgh.   

The SIVQ consists of 8 units chosen from a total of 44.  There are 2 compulsory units, 12 general ones and 30 on specific industry processes.  This allows workers in the many different roles within the industry to choose the material most relevant to their job, such as distilling processes, bottling and warehousing.

The spirit industry is of great value to the Scottish economy, and forms an integral part of the larger Food and Drink sector, one of the 6 key sectors identifies in the Government Economic Strategy. As well as whisky, Scotland exports large quantities of gin, vodka, and mixed alcohol products, the production of which is covered in some of the specialist industry units. 

David Rae, Managing Director at The North British Distillery Company, said: "The SIVQ scheme is an important part of skills development within the Scotch Whisky industry. It will develop job knowledge and understanding, and lead to increased workforce motivation. "

If you are interested in offering this qualification, you can email mycentre@sqa.org.uk