Gold Service Scholarship 2019 nomination period will open early next month

Now in its sixth year, the competition is designed to reward excellence in service, which is assessed through a series of skills tasks that test proficiency, focus, commitment and desire to succeed.

The recipient of the prestigious scholarship will be rewarded with a series of mentoring and travel placements with leading industry figures.

Nominations are open for anyone ages 22-28 working front-of-house in restaurants, bars, hotels, event catering, food service management or any other service-facing area of the hospitality industry.

All candidates’ applications will be reviewed, and the majority will be followed up with personal interviews to decide which applicants will proceed to the quarter finals, held on 26 and 27 October.

The semi-final will be held on 26 November, followed by a final task challenge in January, which will decide who will be awarded the 2019 scholarship at a ceremony at Claridge’s in February.

Current scholar Michael Staub of Rosewood Hotels describes the process as an “amazing experience” for allowing him to further his career goals and make new contacts within the programme.

 “It’s brilliant that the UK hospitality industry has become a global benchmark, and it is really heartening that so many top employers support the Gold Service Scholarship,” says Alastair Storey, chairman of the Gold Service Scholarship.

“It is vital that we attract, nurture and develop talented young people who can see the great career opportunities that exist in front-of-house. I urge all employers to encourage their teams to enter.”

Earlier this year, the Scholarship launched ‘Team Gold’, a platform for alumni from its past six years to network, share ideas and connect through events, online communications and social media.+