The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced a new DISCUS Academy curriculum, the Industry Fundamentals Certificate program, aimed at attracting new entrants into the spirits sector.

“This certificate program is designed to boost diversity and encourage  professionals at all levels to seek out spirits industry employment by providing the foundational knowledge needed to enter the spirits sector,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger. “As we strive to create a more inclusive spirits industry, we are finding that many job descriptions for spirits companies include ‘industry experience required,’ which can pose as a barrier to hiring talent from outside the industry. This new certificate program aims to close that gap by providing a base level of industry knowledge in lieu of actual spirits experience.”

The Industry Fundamentals Certificate is designed for professionals of all levels who are new to the spirits industry and want an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of the industry and its regulatory framework.

The certificate program is comprised of 15 courses, including 12 core classes and three electives. The 12 core classes are:

1. It All Goes Back to Prohibition: How the Modern Spirits Industry Was Born
2. Foundation on the Three-Tier System
3. Working with Control States
4. State Nuances
5. Risk Management
6. DISCUS Code Virtual Media Summit Series: DISCUS Code 101
7. Sales & Marketing Legal Compliance Training
8. Brand Storytelling
9. Distilled Spirits Regulatory Overview: TTB Regulations Parts 5 and 19
10. Trade Practice and Tied-House Considerations: What Do They Mean?
11. Supply Chain Risk
12. FDA Beverage Alcohol Jurisdiction

To register or learn more about the Industry Fundamentals Certificate program, click here.

DISCUS Academy was launched in 2021 to provide best-in-class training and education for distilled spirits industry professionals. Available to DISCUS members and non-members alike, the training program offers curriculum and industry-recognized certifications related to the business of distilling, rather than training on production or spirits knowledge—a first of its kind.

In partnership with Cornell University and University of Kentucky, the curriculum also offers leadership development programs to provide professionals of varying leadership experience education tailored to their career stage.