Springboard’s FutureChef helps young people aged 12-16 to learn to cook. It inspires them to explore food and cooking as a life skill by developing their culinary talent and informing them about entry routes into the hospitality industry.

The two key elements are -

FutureChef – The Competition gives the opportunity for a young talented student to participate in a competitive environment. Working through four stages with an industry mentor support - the ultimate accolade - Springboard’s FutureChef winner is up for grabs! The four stages include –

The winner from this final is then mentored through the remaining stages by a local industry chef

Organised by Springboard, hosted by Westminster Kingsway College London, judged by industry and celebrity chefs.

Finalists cook a two course meal for three people with a basket of ingredients. Details notified in advance and actual ingredients provided on the day.

Competitors, parents, mentor chefs and teachers are all invited to London the evening before where they enjoy dinner at The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill and overnight accommodation.

• Stage 1: School Heat – June-October
  Organised, hosted and judged at schools facilitating their own competition environment either during relevant lesson periods or as an after school activity. The winner and participant details are then to be submitted to Springboard for distribution of certificates and badge.
• Stage 2: Local Finals – November-January
  Organised by Springboard Regional Team hosted by a local college and judged by industry chefs.
• Stage 3: Regional Final - February
  Organised by Springboard regional team hosted by a regional college and judged by sponsor industry chefs
• Stage 4: National Final - March

FutureChef – The Programme provides a year long opportunity to have regular interventions delivered by the Hospitality Industry. These interventions deliver upon various module areas which directly coincide with areas of the curriculum. They include:

• Look and Learn - Chef Demonstrations
• Have a Go - Skills Challenges
• Work Experience – adhering to the INSPIRE quality standard
• Careers presentations
• Learning Bites – used by teachers directly to enhance curriculum delivery

These modules can be delivered in the classroom or within the hospitality industry – helping promote the industry as a great place to work! All of this is organised by the Springboard team with a full toolkit and hand outs provided in advance.

If you would like to get involved and support the above then please register on the FutureChef website - http://industry.springboard.uk.net/getting-involved/springboard-futurechef

If you already work with or know of any 12-16 year olds that would like to take part then please encourage them to go to the FutureChef website - http://futurechef.uk.net/ for more information and to register.