Bacardi has opened applications for the fourth Bermuda cohort of Shake Your Future, its free professional bartender training initiative designed to help unemployed and underemployed adults build careers in hospitality — as the company celebrates being named one of Forbes’s World’s Best Employers for 2025.

Applications are open from October 6 to 31 through the Bermuda Job Board.

Launched globally in 2018, Shake Your Future was created to address unemployment and an international shortage of skilled bartenders. The programme combines world-class mixology training with practical work experience and has been rolled out in ten countries, including France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, India and Bermuda.

First introduced locally in 2023, the initiative has already produced graduates now working full time in bars and restaurants across the island, with some going on to win local competitions and mentor others entering the industry.

Cohort 4 will follow the same hybrid model as previous years, with four weeks of intensive training at the European Bartender School in London, two weeks of professional development workshops in Bermuda, and a six-month local work placement.

New this year, all applicants must have completed or be enrolled in the Bermuda College Bartending Certificate Programme before applying.

“Our Shake Your Future graduates are a testament to what’s possible when we create opportunities for our communities,” said Douglas Mello, managing director of Bacardi Limited. “We’re proud to continue this journey and open doors for Bermudians to develop meaningful careers in hospitality.”

The announcement comes as Bacardi celebrates its inclusion on Forbes’s 2025 World’s Best Employers list, ranking No 86 overall and highest among pure spirits companies.

“Being recognised again by Forbes among the world’s top employers is a true testament to our culture and the dedication of our teams around the world,” said Dave Ingram, chief people officer. “At the heart of our success is a deep commitment to our people — fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to grow.”

Shake Your Future graduates will receive an internationally recognised diploma from the European Bartender School and a certificate from Bacardi. The next cohort will travel to London in February.

Applications can be submitted through the Bermuda Job Board by searching “Shake Your Future”.