Bacardi has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its free Shake Your Future bartender training programme, offering Bermudians the chance to train in London and receive pre- and post-training support in Bermuda,
A spokesperson said, “Family-owned Bacardi has announced the launch of Cohort 5 of Shake Your Future, its free professional bartender training program designed to equip unemployed and underemployed Bermudians with world-class hospitality skills and create pathways to meaningful employment and career advancement. In partnership with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development, Bacardi is inviting aspiring hospitality professionals to apply for the 2027 program.
“Shake Your Future is a global Bacardi employability program that was created in 2018 and has since expanded to markets around the world, including France, Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, India and South Africa.
“The program debuted in Bermuda in 2023 and has since completed four cohorts, providing 30 Bermudians with professional hospitality and bartender training. Through the program, Bacardi has worked with the Department of Workforce Development and a network of local hospitality partners to provide participants with internationally recognized training, practical industry experience and employment opportunities.
Shake Your Future Cohort 4 Graduates: Young, Giano Libuard, Alejandro Solis, Kaylala Pendleton, Jahzuena Bradshaw-Douglas, Malik James, Seon Smith and Israel [Izzy] Bennett
“Building on the success of the program to date, Bacardi is now inviting applications for Cohort 5 from unemployed and underemployed Bermudians seeking opportunities to build and advance their careers within the hospitality industry.
“Selected participants will travel to London in February 2027 before beginning intensive professional training at the European Bartender School in March. The internationally recognized program provides hands-on instruction in areas including mixology, free-pour techniques, cocktail preparation and live bar management. Participants will also receive pre- and post-training support in Bermuda designed to prepare them for the demands of the course and strengthen their professional and career-development skills.”
“Shake Your Future has evolved significantly since we first introduced the program in Bermuda, and the results demonstrate the impact that focused investment in people can have on our hospitality industry,” says Douglas Mello, Managing Director, Bacardi International Limited. “This program is doing more than providing training—it is helping Bermudians build careers. We are proud to continue working alongside Government and our hospitality partners to develop local talent and strengthen Bermuda’s hospitality industry.”
A spokesperson added, “As Bermuda’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, developing and retaining skilled local talent remains essential to the industry’s long-term success.”
“Shake Your Future provides Bermudians with an opportunity to gain internationally recognised training and practical experience that can help them build meaningful careers in hospitality,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward. “The Department of Workforce Development is pleased to partner with Bacardi on an initiative that provides Bermudians with industry experience and creates pathways into employment and career advancement. Developing a skilled local workforce requires strong partnerships among government, employers, and industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Bacardi and our hospitality partners to support Bermudians who are seeking to enter the industry, develop their skills and build rewarding careers.”
A spokesperson added, “Bacardi and the Department of Workforce Development will host a Shake Your Future information session on Monday, October 19, 2026, giving prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more about the program before applying. Attendees will hear directly from previous Shake Your Future graduates about their experiences, learn more about the training and selection process, and have an opportunity to ask questions about the program and careers within Bermuda’s hospitality industry.
“Applications for Cohort 5 will open on October 19, 2026 and will be available through the Bermuda Job Connect and will close on November 2, 2026. For more information about Shake Your Future and the upcoming information session, visit @thebacardiguy on Instagram.”