Calling for cookery talent in Exeter
As the UK struggles to meet demand for skilled chefs, the world’s most prestigious culinary arts, wine and management school, Le Cordon Bleu London announces the launch of its 2016 Scholarship Award.
This year’s winner will be awarded a place on the coveted Diplôme de Pâtisserie followed by a three month Diploma in Culinary Management, which in total will provide a student with a 12 month classical training alongside advanced culinary techniques and management studies.
With over 120 year’s heritage, Le Cordon Bleu has built a worldwide reputation in the Hospitality and Gastronomy industry, and as part of the 2016 scholarship Le Cordon Bleu has teamed up with star chef Simon Hulstone to find the next culinary talent in the south west.
Le Cordon Bleu hope to tackle the shortage of chefs which threatens to change the restaurant landscape by finding and nurturing the best emerging culinary talent in the UK, helping them to gain traditional skills and develop a strong knowledge of the latest trends and culinary developments to support an adapting industry.
“A predicted 11,000 new chefs will be needed by 2020.” – People 1st
The Scholarship Award, which is now in its fifth year, includes accommodation in central London courtesy of our partner Urbanest and an internship with Clare Smyth MBE, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, Hospital Road, Chelsea where Clare has been Head Chef for the past six years and became the first British female chef to hold and retain 3 Michelin Stars.
Simon Hulstone, The Elephant said: “I’m delighted to have been selected to represent Le Cordon Bleu in the South West. The chef shortage is one of the major issues affecting our industry today and it isn’t going away anytime soon. Any initiative that attracts talent and equips individuals with the skills required to work in a professional kitchen has my support. Le Cordon Bleu is an internationally respected cookery school and the facilities are fantastic. I’m really looking forward to being involved this year.”
Head Pâtisserie Chef at Le Cordon Bleu London, Julie Walsh comments: “The Scholarship offers a life changing opportunity for someone who has a passion for pâtisserie. There has never been a more relevant time than now, when the hospitality industry is experiencing a drastic shortage of young chefs with relevant training in traditional techniques. There really is no better way for them to take the first step on the ladder when it comes to finding their dream job.”
Partners Urbanest also said: “We are looking forward to continuing the support of this prestigious scholarship with Le Cordon Bleu. We also look forward to welcoming the winner to Urbanest and provide a great living experience that will help them make London their home for the duration of their course.”
Applicants are invited to apply by:
- Uploading a short video clip introducing the panel to their county at: ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu
- Completing the online application form
- Posting a picture of their favourite British cake on Instagram tagged LeCordonBleuLondon with the #allIneedispassion
- Attend the regional tour with Simon Hulstone and Master Chefs from Le Cordon Bleu at The Elephant, Brixham on Wednesday 17th February. Attendees should register their attendance by emailing cdear@cordonbleu.edu as spaces are limited.
Applications will close at midnight on the 3rd April, and successful applicants will subsequently be invited for the semi-finals in their region:
The last stage of the competition will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London, where the winner will be chosen by a panel of Le Cordon Bleu’s world-renowned Master Chefs and lecturers in June.
For more information, please contact Charlotte Dear at Le Cordon Bleu London, on 020 7400 3900 or by email: cdear@cordonbleu.edu
