The restaurant group, based in the South West, is looking for an 'inspirational' person aged between 16 and 19 who will not only be able to improve their own culinary skills through an apprenticeship, but influence others to take them up.
River Cottage's 'Rising Star' will work for 12 months with the team at River Cottage HQ at Park Farm in Axminster while also fronting the scheme, where they will build up a profile for themselves while learning new skills.
Chris Griffin, head of education at River Cottage said only the most 'dedicated and passionate' individuals should apply.
"The competition requires each willing entrant to upload a video to Youtube which demonstrates their love of food and ambition to become a chef. The eight videos with the most ‘likes’ and two River Cottage selected wildcards will go through to the live hang-outs with esteemed judges Gill Meller, Steven Lamb and Stef Smith," he said.
"If you are between the ages of 16-19, not in full time education and fancy your chances in becoming River Cottage Rising Star 2013, register your interest now and we will be in touch."
Chefs' School
The competition has been launched to coincide with the expansion of the business's apprenticeship scheme. Developed to improve the food skills of young people and promote the importance of food sustainability, seasonality and provenance, the Chefs' School originally gave 30 young people the chance to train for free and find jobs at restaurants and hotels in the South West.
Due to such high demand, the business, which operates restaurants in Bristol, Plymouth and Axminster, decided to more than double the places to 70 this year.
“The response we have had has been fantastic and clearly much greater in number than first expected," said Griffin. "I am delighted to announce these additional places and an extension to apply. I encourage all young, ambitious people who have an appetite to become a chef to complete the simple application form."
To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme, visit www.rivercottage.net/chefs-school. To enter the Rising Star competition visit www.rivercottage.net/risingstar/