Willy Bauer, Edward Griffiths and Alastair Storey have reunited to launch year two of the competition, which was won last year by 22-year-old restaurant supervisor Rebecca Dibben.
“The Gold Service Scholarship is truly unique and a fantastic opportunity to learn from the very best,” said Storey, who chairs the competition’s lead sponsor BaxterStorey.
“We want to encourage young professionals from all areas of service to feel passionate and proud to work in hospitality and believe the Scholarship goes a long way in showcasing the possibilities a career in hospitality can provide them – whatever their service background.”
With entries being accepted throughout September, the Gold Service Scholarship is open to 22-30 year olds working in the UK in any aspect of restaurant service including hotels, high-street restaurants, fine-dining, contract catering, licensed hospitality and clubs.
Winning prize
The winning Scholar will receive a tailor-made programme of impressive restaurant placements, with a year of mentoring and training from the likes of Michele Roux Jr, Silvano Giraldin, Sergio Rebecchi and Fred Sirieix.
Sirieix, who last year launched The Art of Service - a board game to help restaurateurs and hoteliers train their staff to deliver the very best service – said: “Service and front of house professionals have long awaited a deserved recognition. I hope that this scholarship will not only help raise the industry's profile but inspire a new generation to join the hospitality world.”
Last year’s Scholar Dibben has already provided service at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party as part of her prize and will soon be visiting Champagne in France where she will spend time with Laurent-Perrier touring the vineyards and Chateau. She also has plans to spend two weeks at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok.
The competition is made up of four parts: an initial online test comprising multiple-choice questions and simple photo analysis; a regional heat where shortlisted competitors are asked to perform basic service tasks and a question and answer session with the judges; a one-day master class for finalists and the National Final at The Connaught, Mayfair on 3 February 2014.
The winner will then be announced at an awards ceremony on 10 February 2014 at Claridge’s. For more information about The Gold Service Scholarship and full details on how to enter, visit www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk.