Britain’s leading service professionals have joined forces in a bid to inspire more young people to take up a professional career in front of house hospitality. Following the hugely successful launch of The Gold Service Scholarship last year – which saw 22 year-old Restaurant Supervisor Rebecca Dibben crowned national winner in February 2013 – the prestigious competition is set to re-open to find the next leading light.
Industry greats including Willy Bauer OBE, chairman of AB Hotels, Edward Griffiths, Deputy Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace and the UK’s ‘Most Powerful Person in Hospitality’ Alastair Storey, Chairman of leading independent corporate restaurateur, BaxterStorey, will reunite to launch year two of the competition.
Entries from 1 – 30 September
Accepting entries from 1-30 September 2013, the Gold Service Scholarship is open to 22-30 year olds working in the UK in any aspect of restaurant service, including hotels, high-street restaurants, fine-dining, contract catering, licensed hospitality and clubs. The competition seeks to find the future stars of front of house service, awarding them an envious year of mentoring and training from the likes of Michele Roux Junior, Silvano Giraldin, Sergio Rebecchi and Fred Sirieix.
The winning Scholar will receive a tailor-made programme of impressive restaurant placements and tutorials in the UK and overseas, as well working at renowned hospitality events.
Alastair Storey, Chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey, said: “The Gold Service Scholarship is truly unique and a fantastic opportunity to learn from the very best. We want to encourage young professionals from all areas of service to feel passionate and proud to work in hospitality and believe the Scholarship goes a long way in showcasing the possibilities a career in hospitality can provide them – whatever their service background.”
The competition is made up of four parts; an initial online test comprising multiple-choice questions and simple photo analysis; a regional heat where shortlisted competitors will be asked to perform basic service tasks and a question and answer session with the judges; a one-day master class for finalists and the National Final at The Connaught, Mayfair on 3 February 2014, where contestants will demonstrate their skills to the judges and invited guests at a special lunch. The winner will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony on 10 February 2014 at Claridge’s.
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