Chef Michael Caines launches search for next hospitality star

The search for the brightest new talent in catering and hospitality is to be launched this week by head judge and sponsor of The Acorn Scholarship, Michael Caines, MBE.

The annual competition – now into its ninth year – has been designed by senior industry figures to help launch the career of a future star with a first prize scholarship valued at over £7,000.

Michael Caines, Chef Director of ABode Hotels, Gidleigh Park and Bath Priory, commented: "There is no doubt that this industry has got talent, and The Acorn Scholarship is all about unearthing the best people and giving them a chance to shine. The scholarship is an amazing opportunity that will set the winner on the path to a glittering career."

The Acorn Scholarship is open to all members of the industry – past winners include a restaurant manager, sous chef, nutritionist and catering manager. Judges will be looking for talented individuals who have a passion for the industry and a burning desire to succeed in their chosen field.

The winner of this prestigious award will receive:

• A £2,000 bursary for professional development
• £1,500 worth of learnpurple training, plus monthly coaching sessions
• A trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg
• A lunch with leading industry figures to agree development and educational activity
• A designated mentor to guide them through the year as a scholar
• Springboard UK Ambassador training

Since winning the 2010 scholarship Chef de Partie, Will Torrent, has been on a whirlwind of a journey, which has included mentoring and coaching with some of the industries most influential people, craft and business management training, hosting afternoon tea for the industry's top chocolatiers and spending time at Unilever's global ice cream innovation centre.

Will said: "This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and my confidence in business has grown enormously since winning The Acorn Scholarship. I've met the most amazing people, learned an incredible amount, and now my dream of opening up a high-end, trendy patisserie feels more real than ever before."

The Acorn Scholarship will be launched on September 1st, 2010. The deadline for applications is 22 October 2010, after which 10 finalists will be asked to present their submission to a panel of judges.

Visit www.acornscholarship.org.uk for more information.

Words: Clare Riley

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