Following hard on the heels of the success of a university caterer in 2012, the next few weeks will see in-house university caterers pit their skills against Hospitality’s finest talent in a bid to be in the running for the coveted national Gold Service Scholarship.
The Scholarship, founded and supported by leading entrepreneurs in Hospitality, has been designed to discover, encourage and grow next generation skills across front-of-house roles with a particular focus on service and engagement with the end customer.
Open to 22-30 years olds working in any aspect of restaurant service, from contract catering, licensed hospitality and clubs, to fine-dining environments – including universities – and restaurants, entrants simply nominate themselves by visiting Gold Service Scholarship by 30th September 2013.
‘Life-changing experience’
Last year saw university catering manager Emma Bell from Keele University compete against candidates from leading fine dining establishments. She reached the regional semi-finals, which she described as a ‘life-changing’ experience. She says, “Competing in the Gold Service Scholarship was an incredible experience. Rubbing shoulders with entrants from some of the country’s finest establishments such as the Ritz and Claridges and comparing our skills was like a dream come true, and since the experience, my confidence and career has gone from strength to strength.”
Julie Barker, Chair of the University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), added:
“Competitions like the Gold Service Scholarship give our members the chance to shine, and to show that university catering is about far more than catering to student needs – something we do with aplomb – but we also excel in the fine dining sector. I look forward to seeing university caterers step forward to show us what they can do this year.”
The Scholarship
The Scholarship is backed by the good and great of hospitality, including leading entrepreneurs such as; Roux Restaurants Director, Silvano Giraldin, Chairman of OB Hotels, Will Bauer OBE, General Manager of Galvin at Windows, Fred Sirieix, Deputy Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace, Edward Griffiths and Chief Executive of Baxter Storey, Alastair Storey.
Alastair Storey said:
“The Gold Service Scholarship is all about opening young peoples’ eyes to the world of hospitality. It was set up to help showcase the great work being done in the industry, the experience and skills it can provide and the fantastic career opportunities it has to offer. I’d encourage anyone in restaurant service to enter, from waiters and waitresses at high-street chains to front of house maître d’s in fine dining establishments, and see for themselves the endless possibilities available in this profession.”
For further information about The Gold Service Scholarship and full details on how to enter, visit www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk
For further information on TUCO and its work within the university catering sector, visit www.tuco.org