LOCALS working in the food and beverage sector in the tourism industry will now have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of wine while simultaneously gaining international accreditation in the process.

This follows the introduction of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certificates by one of Fiji’s wine importers — Victoria Wines and Spirits.

Managing director Liam Hindle said the certificates were the most widely-accepted international measures of wine competence and a great stepping stone for the career wine waiter or sommelier.

“The WSET Level One wine course is being conducted in three satellite training rooms around Fiji,” Mr Hindle said.

“There are 80 registered participants who will undergo a full day intensive course covering wine profiles and food matching, which will end in a supervised examination.

“The qualification aims to provide the basic product knowledge and skills in the storage and service of wines required to prepare a person for their first job in wine hospitality or retail.”

He said the course was also an interest-based education for those not directly in the food and beverage industry but had an interest and love for wine.

Training and development manager Julianne Verma said bringing the course to Fiji was a milestone for local up-skilling and training as the accreditation would set apart those who had attained certification.

“We also envisage rolling out Levels Two and Three in 2016 and possibly the Level Four Diploma should our pass rates meet the criteria,” Ms Verma said.

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust was founded in 1969 to provide high quality wine education to the UK trade.

Today, the Trust is the largest global provider of qualifications in the field of wines and spirits and teaches those involved in the trade and interested consumers.