Entries are open for the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Graduate Awards, which are celebrating their 15th birthday this year.
The Graduate Awards are an examination for chefs, aged 23 and under, designed to test and improve the skills which chefs have learnt at college and in their early careers, and take them to the next level.
It’s a tough examination process with successful chefs completing a paper entry, heats and then final examination. The one-day examination includes a theory paper, butchery and fishmongery tasks as well as creating a ‘mystery basket’ dish, classic main course and a dessert that will really impress high profile examiners.
To achieve the Graduate Award chefs must achieve a pass mark of 85% or higher and one chef will receive the Highest Achiever Award, with a top mentor being awarded the Employer’s Award for Excellence in Training. The Pastry Graduate Award is also back for its second year and the Craft Guild of Chefs is on the hunt for chefs to follow in the footsteps of last year’s highest achiever, Kacey Bignell.
Steve Munkley, founder and organiser of the Graduate Awards, said, “When I created these awards I wanted to provide an opportunity for young chefs to be pushed into the spotlight. There is so much talent out there and these awards help us find those chefs. I am really proud that the Graduate Awards is celebrating its 15th birthday this year and we’re looking forward to discovering who will be the next chefs to join the Hall of Fame.”
Chair of Examiners, Russell Bateman added “As a head chef, I look out for young chefs who have the drive and determination needed to pass the Graduate Awards. I’ve witnessed some amazing talent come through these awards and go on to win national competitions, land fantastic jobs and even work around the world. I’d say to all head chefs to encourage your young chefs to enter as it will only add to your business.”
Chefs have until 8 May 2017 to submit their entries and the form can be downloaded or completed online from craftguildofchefs.org/competitions/136.
