Andrew Imrie from Kilkeel won an award at the prestigious Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) Awards Ceremony. Held at London’s prestigious Guildhall, the annual Awards and Graduation Ceremony witnessed over 600 people from across the world graduate – with 20 singled out for excellence scholarships.
Andrew, who is the Director of KWM Wines and Spirits in Kilkeel, was awarded the Moet and Chandon Scholarship for excellence after receiving exceptionally high grades on the Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits. He commented; “14 years ago I took the decision to return to education and build on my existing knowledge and experience of the wines and spirits industry. After completing various certificates in Wines and Spirits and working in vineyards across the world I embarked onto the Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits at South Eastern Regional College.
“The course itself was really interactive and I felt that I benefitted from the expert tutelage provided. The information learned on the course has benefitted my business and I have recently setup a service where customers can order online and also join our popular wine club.
“I was shocked when I was awarded the Moet and Chandon Scholarship - it was such an honour. The actual scholarship itself is a study visit to the Champagne region of France where I will be a guest of Moet and Chandon – I hope to take up this scholarship later this year.”
Drina Ferguson, WSET lecturer at SERC added; “I am so proud that Andrew has won this award, he has worked consistently hard throughout his time with us. Andrew is one of five of our students who graduated all of whom are employed in the wine trade in Northern Ireland.
“The WSET courses have been run at the College for a number of years now with great success, we very much see SERC as a hub for the development of careers and professionalising the workforce.
Ian Harris, Chief Executive of the WSET presided over the ceremony and added; “The last academic year has been another very successful one for the trust in spite of the economic climate. I am pleased to see so many people here celebrating having reached the culmination of their goals and aspirations.”