Specialised Chefs Scholarship
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.
Simply the most advanced professional Chef School this country has to offer
Adam Byatt is a graduate of the Specialised Chefs Scholarship and is a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. He trained at Claridge's and The Square. He is now the Chef Patron of Trinity Restaurant in London, which has been listed in The Times Top 100 Restaurants in the UK. Adam has published his own book and is a regular guest on BBC TV’s Saturday Kitchen Live.
“Enrolling on the Royal Academy Specialised Chefs course at The Bournemouth & Poole College was a huge turning point in my life. The excitement of learning and the feeling of achievement suddenly made sense for the first time. Whilst at The College you are taught by people who know and work closely with the industry; they are among the best in their field. If you put the work in, you will leave equipped to thrive inside quality establishments. The attention to detail and level of training is unparalleled at The College. Add this to a culture of professional learning that runs through the campus, and even someone like me, with an incredible low tolerance for academia, can thrive!
I left The Bournemouth & Poole College with a new found confidence, bursting with knowledge and ready for full time employment in some of London’s most highly regarded restaurants and hotels. I always wanted to own a restaurant and be in control of my future. The depth of classical cookery learnt during my apprenticeship not only gave me the confidence to pursue my dream but also armed me with the skills I needed to make it a success. I have built a life I am proud of. Aside from my personal successes, what inspires me the most is taking apprentices from The Bournemouth & Poole College and playing a small part in the development of their future. My kitchen now has four Specialised Chefs, all trained in simply the most advanced professional Chef School this country has to offer.”
Winner of 2015 Specialised Chefs Scholarship
JAMES GANDERTON
Less than a year on, and having completed his first term at Bournemouth & Poole under the eagle eye of renowned RACA Member David Boland, James Ganderton is now living independently in Hampshire, with a placement at the renowned and award winning Chewton Glen Hotel. He is thriving in this esteemed and professional environment as an apprentice and dreams of a future running his own 30 cover fine dining establishment.
Other Great Prizes
TEFLON™ COATED COOKWARE
All categories will win some fantastic Teflon™ coated cookware for their home, school or college similar to the products shown here.
COOKERY COURSE WITH OVERNIGHT HOTEL BREAK
Keen Home Cooks can win an all-expenses paid weekend including a bespoke days cookery course and overnight accommodation - details will be available soon.
CASH PRIZES
Keen Young Cooks and Aspiring Student Chefs can win cash prizes up to £500.
See the competition page for more details.
EARLY ENTRY PRIZES
Enter before 30 September and you will ALSO be entered into a FREE DRAW:
- All categories: To win a set of Teflon™ coated Magafesa 8 1/2" and 11" frying pans. These are suitable for Gas, Electric, Ceramic and Induction hobs.
- Keen Home Cooks: To WIN TWO Waitrose Cookery School Vouchers Worth £300
- Schools & Colleges only: To win 12 sets of Teflon™ coated Magafesa 8 1/2" and 11" frying pans for your designated school or college.