Irish distillers Pernod Ricard, Ireland’s leading spirits and wines company, has recruited the largest number of entrants to the Jameson Graduate Programme since the programme began in 1991.

A total of 35 graduates will be allocated to various global markets across five continents including Europe, Asia, North America, South America and South Africa. For the first time, two production graduates will based in Ireland and one graduate will be based in Japan; an emerging market for the Jameson brand.
 
The 35 graduates will have the unique opportunity to work as a Jameson Brand Ambassador for one year in an international market. The programme combines a mixture of field and office based activities and throughout the year, Brand Ambassadors will deal on a daily basis with local businesses across the various markets.

The Graduates will work closely with the local brand and sales team in order to drive brand marketing activities. As well as this, graduates will be exposed to; brand education and mentoring; development and implementation of Jameson marketing activity; coordination of promotions; public relations and events for Jameson as well as building relationships with key influencers for the brand and building awareness for Jameson amongst the sales force.
 
The Jameson Graduate Programme provides graduates with the opportunity to gain international experience and excellent opportunities for their further career progression. There are currently 65 former graduates working across the Pernod Ricard Group and opportunities exist to continue a career within the company, with a 50 percent graduate retention rate after three years. This year alone 13 graduates are being given a year 2 placement and 5 graduates are moving on to a coveted 3rd year on the programme.
 
Due to the year on year success of Jameson globally, in particular in emerging markets, the Jameson Graduate Programme has gone from strength to strength. Up to 2011, there have been over 200 graduates recruited. The company is now the world’s leading producer of Irish Whiskey, selling in excess of 3.9 million cases per annum in over 120 markets globally. This year, 6 graduates will be placed throughout America, in response to the growth of 30% in the U.S.A market. The Graduate Programme embodies both the success story of the Jameson brand along with Irish Distillers’ commitment to entrepreneurship, offering a unique career opportunity to Ireland’s graduates to become part of a global company.
 
In addition, this year the programme offers opportunities for the first time in Ireland. A key element is the inclusion of two 1st year production graduates in Cork and Dublin and a year 2 graduate working with the trade as a brand ambassador. This highlights the further expansion and success of the Jameson brand both at home and abroad.
 
In comparison to other graduate programmes, Jameson is ahead of the field. The programme includes a five week intensive training course prior to the graduates going to market and the provision of a bespoke digital brand education tool for use when working with stakeholders. The Graduate Programme is a vital part of the international strategy for the Jameson brand, and the programme has served as the launch pad for many employees within the Pernod Ricard group including the current International Brand Development Director for Irish Distillers, Simon Fay.
 
Speaking at the launch of the Jameson Graduate Programme, Simon Fay, a former Jameson Programme graduate himself, commented: “When I entered the Graduate Programme in 1996 it was 5 years old. The programme has evolved year on year and is now one of the most recognised Graduate Programmes in Ireland, moving from 150 to number 18 on the Graduate Ireland list of programmes this year. As well as the emphasis on marketing and business, the programme also highlights the importance on languages. This year for example there will be Jameson Brand Ambassadors in the Japanese and Russian markets. It is important to emphasise the benefits of foreign languages to those picking third level options. The advantages of speaking a different language, particularly from a growing market such as Vietnam or Russia can really open up your career path.”
 
The locations in the 2012/13 programme are: USA, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, Vietnam, India, Japan, Turkey, Russia, Mexico, Czech Republic, South Africa, Austria, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ireland
 
For more information visit Vital Ingredient website, www.vitalingredient.ie.