Still time to enter Craft Guild of Chefs graduate awards 2014
There is still time for chefs aged 23 and under to enter the Craft Guild of Chefs' graduate awards 2014.
Entry forms are available for download from the Craft Guild website, and offer the chance to take part in a series of culinary challenges designed to test and push young chefs' skills.
The deadline is 10 May, with regional cooking tests following this on 11 June in Sheffield and Greenford. The final exam will take place on 28 August, with the results announced at an awards ceremony at the Landmark hotel, London, on 5 September.
Participants must score 85% and over if they reach the final exam.
Graduate certificates are handed to the most promising candidates, while there is also a Highest Achiever Award and the Employer's Award for Excellence in Training.
Last year's winners were hailed as the "best bunch of finalists ever", with chairman of examiners Paul Gayler reportedly saying that there wasn't one dish among those presented that he couldn't have served to clients.
Craft Guild vice president, Steve Munkley, added that the programme was difficult but that it could really help chefs in their career. He said: "Finalists will learn from some of the best chefs in the country and if successful will be able to add the prestigious title to their CV. I believe the mentor day was the main reason for last year's high standard as every young chef got so much out of it. We're delighted this is back for 2014."
The 2013 winner of the Highest Graduate Achiever award, Josh Bingham, who gained a score of 90%, said that the competition had pushed him to become a better chef. He said: "It was great to meet like-minded people and make new contacts during a fun, yet challenging, experience. Constructive feedback, in events like this, is the best way to learn and develop as a chef and a person."
Another 2013 winner, Claire Willett, who works at The Waterfront Restaurant at Wyboston Lakes, said that the competition had improved her confidence and helped earn her a promotion from demi-chef de partie to chef de partie.
She said: "It's made me a lot stronger when it comes to work. I entered these awards in 2011 and 2012 but didn't achieve the pass mark until last year. That's why I'd say if something means that much to you do not give up until achieve your goal."
Entry forms are available from the website here, with more information available via email at enquiries@craftguildofchefs.org or phone, on 0208 948 3870.
