HOUSTON, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, is proud to announce the expansion of their Learning Skills for Life hospitality program into Houston, Texas in the first half of 2015. The program, designed to train unemployed and underemployed individuals, provides both life and business skills needed to secure employment in the hospitality industry. Diageo will partner with the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston for the course, which will focus on training local veterans.

The inaugural Houston class starts in late Spring, and follows Diageo's successful Learning Skills for Life U.S. launch earlier this year at its North America headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. The program in North America is based on similar programs funded by Diageo throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, and South Africa, and represents Diageo's continued dedication to offering underserved individuals the opportunity to gain employment and positively contribute to their communities. Diageo has had more than 100,000 graduates globally in its Learning for Life Program.

"Learning Skills for Life is an exceptional program that affects powerful change in the communities where it is offered and we are thrilled to bring it to Houston," said Dr. Danielle Robinson, Diageo's Alcohol Policy Director. "We selected Houston because of the large underserved veteran population here. We hope to give back to those who have served our country by offering them practical training for the next chapter of their lives."

During the six-week program, students, who are all over 21 years of age, receive intensive training in hospitality. Additionally, participants are taught valuable life skills such as managing personal finances, interviewing, working in a team environment, and writing resumes and cover letters.

Learning Skills for Life - Houston will begin accepting applications in the early Spring, and the Diageo team has already begun discussions with local businesses for graduate placement opportunities. Candidates interested in being considered for LSFL Houston, or businesses interested in partnering with the program, can contact Dr. Robinson at 203-229-4398.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

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SOURCE Diageo