Keen Young Cooks and Aspiring Student Chef categories stand the chance to win the prestigious three year Advanced Apprenticeship, offering an opportunity to train in all aspects of professional cookery at the highest level. The Scholarship is arranged by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and is managed by The Bournemouth & Poole College. NOTE: This winner is not obliged to accept this offer and is entitled to accept a cash prize of £500 as an alternative.
The point of difference between an RACA Apprenticeship and a routine apprenticeship is the standard of employer and establishment with whom the apprentice is employed during his or her training. These are mostly, but not entirely, in London and include Claridge's, The Ritz, The Dorchester and Chewton Glen.
The scholarship leads to a standard National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at a minimum Level 3 and Key Skills of Level 2. In addition, at the end of the three year apprenticeship the candidate sits the RACA final exam. If the candidate is successful he or she will be awarded a Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Diploma and become a Graduate of the RACA.