The competition is notoriously tough, with the winners of young chef competitions from the British Culinary Federation, the Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence, World Skills UK and the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards automatically gaining a place in the final.
Four more finalists will be chosen from a selection of 20 young chefs from recognised industry competitions.
David Mulcahy, competition organiser and vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “Young National Chef of the Year supersedes all other young chef contests as it brings together those identified as the best young chefs in the industry and gives them a platform on which to build their future careers.
“Not only does it celebrate young talent but it ensures that the young chefs are mentored and supported throughout, enabling them to achieve their best in the final. Winning Young National Chef of the Year firmly establishes a chef as a rising star of the culinary world both in the UK and beyond.”
The semi-finals will be held at Sheffield College on 11 June and at Le Cordon Bleu in London on 24 June to coincide with The National Chef of the Year semi-finals.
This year’s winner will be revealed along with The National Chef of the Year at an awards ceremony following The Restaurant Show on 6 October.