Electrolux seeks next generation of Michelin-starred chefs with launch of Chef Academy

26-Mar-2013 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 13:05 GMT

Tom Kitchen (pictured), Simon Hulstone and Jonray and Peter Sanchez will give three students the chance to work in their kitchens for four months through the Electrolux Chef Academy

Electrolux has launched a nationwide chef competition in a bid to find the next generation of Michelin-starred chefs.

The Electrolux Chef Academy 2013 will give three third year culinary students the chance to land a 12 month paid placement with chefs Simon Hulstone, Tom Kitchin and Jonray and Peter Sanchez in their restaurants where they are expected to gain the right level of experience to land themselves a top job.

Launching the competition at Westminster Kingsway College earlier today, Vanessa Holloway, Electrolux trade marketing manager, said the idea was to give young chefs with 'commitment, passion and drive' the rare chance to work alongside talented chefs and learn first hand about the industry.

“Electrolux has been proudly supporting professional kitchens for nearly a century, with almost 50 per cent of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe using our appliances. It therefore seemed a natural step to support the next generation of chefs at an even earlier stage.

“Through our partnerships with incredibly talented chefs, we’re extremely well placed to establish the Chef Academy programme, giving young chefs a fantastic insight into a highly competitive yet exhilarating industry”.

Competition

Catering college lecturers around the country are being urged to put their most promising third year students forward for the competition, which opens for entries today.

Westminster Kingsway College assistant principal Geoff Booth urged the colleges in the UK offering catering courses to put students forward.

“Gaining valuable work experience is essential to all culinary students in helping them to realise their ambitions after leaving college," he said. "The Electrolux initiative is an exceptional opportunity and presents a unique and innovative way of recognising exceptional talent. This competition provides an incredible opportunity for a small number of outstanding students. It will undoubtedly also help to inspire countless others across the hospitality sector.”

Following the first round of paper entries, 40 semi-finalists will be selected to cook for judges Nigel Haworth of Northcote, Martin Bates of the the Craft Guild of Chefs and Andy Blakemore, development chef at Electrolux Professional at the Electrolux Academy in Luton, before 10 finalists are chosen to go through to the final at Westminster Kingsway College in June.

As well as winning the four month placements at The Elephant, Casamia and The Kitchin, the three winners will take part in live demonstrations alongside their mentors at food festival Taste of London this summer.

"The winning chefs will get a chance to see everything in our kitchens. They'll be a part of our team and will be integrated into what we do," added Hulstone. "This is a really good chance for three young chefs to come out and show what they are capable of."

To enter visit facebook.com/Electrolux.