Gold Service Scholarship kicks off sixth annual competition

The sixth Gold Service Scholarship, recognising talented young front-of-house professionals in hospitality, has announced the 2018 schedule for entries.

The nomination process will kick off on 4 September 2017, with the deadline for entries 29 September. Candidates must be between the ages of 22 and 28, and in full-time employment in the UK hospitality industry: in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or related establishments.

The 2017 scholar, Stephanie Beresforde (pictured centre with Alastair Storey, left, chairman of the GSS trustees, and Edward Griffiths, right, chairman of the judges), has just begun a new role as restaurant manager at the newly launched Jean-Georges at the Connaught in London.

The winning scholar, to be announced in February 2018, will benefit from a host of prizes and opportunities to broader their knowledge of food, wine and service. These will include a trip to Champagne Laurent-Perrier in France, and work placements in the UK and abroad, including a three-day stage during a state visit at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

He or she will also enjoy a Berry Bros & Rudd wine lecture and dinner, plus PR, marketing and social media tutoring.

Following the entry process, there will be two quarter final sessions to be held on 21 and 23 October 2017, with the semi-final on 21 November 2017. The final and award ceremony take place on dates to be confirmed at the end of January and February 2018, respectively.

Griffiths said: "Each year, from an initial pool, well in excess of 100 applicants, we assess each candidate, interviewing all those who reach the quarter final, looking for the spark that indicates a passion and a thirst to learn about every possible aspect of the hospitality industry. It's a rigorous process over several months, but we nurture, teach and guide at every stage."

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