The scholarship is an initiative designed to inspire a new generation of young people to enter the hospitality profession, spearheaded by service professionals including Willy Bauer, Silvano Giraldin, Fred Sirieix and Sergio Rebecchi, and sponsored by leading contract caterer BaxterStorey.
It is open to anybody working in the UK in any aspect of restaurant service, including hotels, restaurants, contract catering, licensed hospitality and clubs, aged between 22 and 30.
From the initial submission of an entry form online, which must also include a copy of the candidate’s CV and the sponsoring employer’s endorsement, 18-24 shortlisted competitors will be invited to take part in regional heats around the UK. Those selected for the final will be given a written brief on the tasks they will be asked to carry out.
Judges and mentors include the above industry experts as well as a host of other well-known service stars that have donated their time next year to making sure the winner of this inaugural scholarship the top prize of a year of mentoring, educational training, travel and work experience delivered personally by the best in the business. The winner will be announced at a special awards ceremony in London.
Giraldin said: “Myself and a group of like-minded individuals have got together to teach service to a new generation. Our aim: to pass on our skills to a new group of younger professionals who can take what we have learnt and reinterpret it for a modern audience.
“We believe that great service belongs everywhere, from the garage forecourt to the greasy spoon, from the coffee bar to the banquet and beyond.”
• Entries close at midnight on Monday, November 19. Full details are on the website: www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk