Now in its sixth year, the award recognises the skills of front-of-house professionals and is open to anyone aged 20-28 working full-time in the hospitality industry.
Her Majesty The Queen is patron of the scholarship, and presented the award in person in 2016.
The 2018 winner’s prize will include a three-day stage during a State Visit at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, as well as PR and marketing training to help forward their career.
The application process will run for four weeks until 29 September. Quarter finals will be held on 21 and 23 October and the semi-final on 21 November, before the final takes place next year.
“Each year, from an initial pool, well in excess of 100 applicants, we assess each candidate, interviewing all those who reach the quarter final, looking for the spark that indicates a passion and a thirst to learn about every possible aspect of the hospitality industry,” says Edward Griffiths, chairman of the judges.
“It’s a rigorous process over several months, but we nurture, teach and guide at every stage.”
The 2017 winner Stephanie Beresforde has just begun a new role as restaurant manager at Jean-Georges at The Connaught in London, while 2016 champion Jennifer Santner has recently joined the two Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library at Sketch London.
The Gold Service Scholarship is one of a number of awards launched to raise the profile of front-of-house careers in recent years, including Fred Sirieix's National Waiters' Day.
For further information and application details click here.