Talented young chefs are being urged to apply for a prestigious hospitality scholarship.
Award-winning chef James Devine has urged budding Northern Ireland chefs aged 17-20 to seize the opportunity of a lifetime by applying for the Le Cordon Bleu UK Scholarship Award.
Applicants have until February 28 to apply for the prestigious scholarship.
The scholarship will enable the winner to study Le Grand Diplome – the intensive 9-month course widely considered to be the gold standard in culinary training – at Le Cordon Bleu’s Centre of Excellence in London’s Bloomsbury Square.
The prize, which is worth over £30,000, includes accommodation in central London and an apprenticeship with acclaimed chef Pierre Koffmann at his eponymous restaurant in Knightsbridge.
2012 IFEX Chef of the Year, James Devine said:
“The unique thing about the catering industry is the manner in which we celebrate our craft. Competitions and scholarships give us an outlet for our talents that in turn allow us to grow and mature at a great rate.
“I have competed in some of the UK’s most prestigious culinary events and ultimately had more bad days than good, but it’s the bad days that make you improve and the good days that make you smile. I would advise any young chef who is passionate about this industry to get involved with Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship as it turns ambition and desire into reality.”
Applicants are invited to upload a short video of themselves at www.ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu, explaining why they should be considered for the prize. Semi-finalists will then be invited to attend Le Cordon Bleu in London for an interview, before the finalists reconvene at the institute for the last stage of the competition on March 27, which will include a practical assessment.
The head of Le Cordon Bleu London, Larry Montack, said:
“We are not looking for anyone with previous culinary experience – we are looking for a passionate individual who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study at Le Cordon Bleu. Indeed, the scholarship’s slogan is – All you need is passion – we’ll teach you the rest!”
The winner will be chosen by a panel of Le Cordon Bleu’s world-renowned Master Chefs, alongside senior members of Le Cordon Bleu’s academic committee, and the prize will be presented in front of an audience of leading chefs, media figures and politicians.