The UK's finest culinary scholarship is back with hopes of combatting the lack of chefs in the UK, with an award worth over £35,000
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 chefs to find within all the UK regions tomorrow’s next culinary talent.
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.
Head Pâtisserie Chef at Le Cordon Bleu London, Julie Walsh says: “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.”
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
- Throughout February, Le Cordon Bleu will be taking to the road with their team of Master Chefs for a regional tour of the UK, in order to demonstrate skills applicants may learn at Le Cordon Bleu – applicants are advised to attend the event in their region. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Applications will close at midnight on the 3rd April, and successful applicants will subsequently be invited for the semi-finals in their region:
- London & South East: Modern Pantry, Anna Hansen
- South West: Elephant, Simon Hulstone
- Wales: Coast Saundersfoot, Will Holland
- North: The Yorke Arms, Frances Atkins
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: Mark Greenaway Restaurant, Mark Greenaway
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: [email protected].
