wset

[filthiestfis]

Has anybody taken the WSET Level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Wines and Spirits?

Is it useful for a career in wines and spirits if you dont have prior experience?

[Donquixote]

Yeah, I did the beginner Level 1 when i was studying catering at college, and enjoyed it so much i went on to do Level 2 as well. I've actually found it really beneficial... as well as vastly improving my appreciation and understanding of wines, i'm sure it can't have done my career any harm either. Having these extra qualifications on a CV when applying for jobs in the catering industry would undoubtedly be a benefit, and for a career in wines & spirits i should think it would be indispensible.

[filthiestfis]

Donquixote, the thing is that I have no experience of working in the industry, so would I have to start off by working in a bar? With this certificate only, what kind of job can I expect?

[Donquixote]

No, not at all! The WSET qualifications cover everything from the production and styles of wines, beers, spirits, etc., to practical methods of bar and cellar management (EPOS systems, storage methods, anti-theft measures), that kind of thing.
To be honest, if you were to take a job in a regular run-of-the-mill bar, you wouldn't use half of the stuff you'd have learnt! You could use this qualification to gain a foot in the door of many areas in the service industry - Wine/Spirit Merchants; Restaurant work; Brewing Industry; Bar Work/Management; Outside Catering; really anything where wine/spirit service is relevant.
If you have no experience in the industry, you would gain training in your chosen job anyway, so the qualification would be a great way to open up a few options for you... choose the area you want to go into, and go for it!!!

[filthiestfis]

Thanks Quixote! Now I just ened to decide what kind of career path I want to take within the industry...what do you do for a living ?

[Hapus]

I did the WSET Level 1 of Wine Appreciation. It amuses me to think I am now QUALIFIED to appreciate wine... tee hee.

[filthiestfis]

Hapus, was level 1 easy?

[filthiestfis]

I am still thinking of taking the level 2 course at home for 150 pounds. I hope its not too hard for someone like me without experience!

[Donquixote]

Hey filthiestfis! (Great name!)

I'm actually a chef myself, and I've always worked within the catering industry. I've found it a useful qualification to have on my CV (more so when i was first starting out), and even more useful in the things i learned from it. Even the most basic knowledge of wines is really a necessity in the food industry. The one thing i would say, is that if you haven't done Level 1 already, i'd strongly recommend doing that before taking Level 2. If you have absolutely no knowledge/experience in that field, then you will probably find Level 2 rather difficult without first doing Level 1.

[filthiestfis]

Thanks Don Quixote (great name too, I made an error and ended with 'fis' instead of 'fish' as you might gather)

Thats exactly what I was thinking...that it will be too hard for me to do level 2 without level 1 first. Right, Im gonna do level 1!!!

[Donquixote]

Good luck...and have fun!!! :o)

[filthiestfis]

:( i WONT BE ABLE TO DO THE LEVEL 1 UNTIL JANUARY. They dont seem to have classes runnning until then and I didnt know that its a one day course.