Graduate Awards
The Graduate Awards scheme was first launched in 2003 by the Craft Guild of Chefs with the aim of creating a formal recognition of a young working chef’s culinary excellence.
Each year it has grown from strength to strength, testing the knowledge and skills of chefs 23 years of age or under in a series of challenging culinary examinations.
As well as gaining new skills and an industry recognised achievement on their CV, graduates achieving the 85% pass rate or above, enjoy a host of prizes including study tours to Luxembourg with Villeroy and Boch and Scotland with James Knight of Mayfair, as well as a grand prize for the highest achiever in the final exam.
Awards Format
Candidates are selected based on their entry form and mentor’s reference.
They will be invited to take part in an initial round of examinations, testing knowledge and skills including practical skills in butchery and fishmongery, the preparation of a mystery basket for a main course meal for four plus a pastry dish.
Those that make it through to the finals are given further tests of knowledge and skills similar to first examination plus the preparation of a classical dish.
The pass mark for Graduate Achievers is 85%. Results are announced at the Graduate Awards Luncheon in London, to which all finalists are invited to attend.
Prizes
All finalists awarded:
Personalised chef ’s jacket
One year’s Graduate Membership of the Craft Guild of Chefs
Bottle of Pommery Champagne
A piece of culinary equipment
Graduate Achievers also awarded:
A framed certificate
A study tour of Villeroy and Boch china factory in Luxembourg
A trip to a Scottish Fish Farm arranged by James Knight of Mayfair
A Surprise trip for the highest achiever
Mentor’s Award:
One year membership of the Craft Guild of Chefs
Mentor’s certificate
Bottle of Pommery Champagne
Employer’s Award:
Employer’s trophy for excellence in training
Bottle of Pommery Champagne
