HBCU.COM

Press Enter to search or select a section to narrow results

HBCU.COM
Go Beyond the Bottle: Explore Careers Through the STEPUP Spirits Externship Program

Go Beyond the Bottle: Explore Careers Through the STEPUP Spirits Externship Program

Reginald Culpepper · Wednesday, March 11th 2026 at 8:04PM · 1638 views
Have you ever wondered how the spirits industry really works—from distillery production to branding, distribution, and tasting room experiences?

STEPUP is a three-month externship program that offers flexibility around your daily life and schedule. Selected participants complete a structured, self-paced online curriculum with ongoing mentor support, then cap the experience with a two-day distillery shadowing and an optional distributor component, which STEPUP pays for.

The program also offers valuable professional development opportunities, including industry-recognized certifications such as Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Levels 1 and 2, OSHA-10 safety training, and forklift certification, along with mentorship, career coaching, and observational experiences at working distilleries.

Whether you're passionate about craft spirits, curious about beverage entrepreneurship, or simply interested in learning how the industry operates, STEPUP provides the tools and exposure to help you discover what’s possible.

If you're ready to go beyond the bottle and explore a new career path, learn more about the STEPUP Spirits Externship Program and apply today at https://stepupinternship.org/.

Share This Article

Post a Comment

Please log in to post comments.