Young chefs opportunity to gain one of 12 funded places at West Suffolk College

Calling all budding young chefs aged between 14 to 16.

You can enter a competition to claim one of 12 funded places on a six-week Future Chefs Cookery Course, at West Suffolk College.

As part of its commitment to continue funding aspects of the VENI Programme after European funding ends in December 2023, Eastern Education Group has confirmed a £10,000 grant for Choose Hospitality to continue in 2024.

To enter, the young chefs will need to show off their culinary passion by describing why they want to be part of the programme, whether they aspire to have a career in catering, or to learn new skills in the kitchen.

The lucky winners will have the chance to cook up a storm each week, learning new skills, techniques and recipes in a professional commercial kitchen.

Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “This competition is a brilliant opportunity to help the younger generation explore their passion for cooking whilst discovering the career opportunities available in the hospitality sector. It has been wonderful to work in partnership with West Suffolk College to support the Future Chef competition as the development of skills is such a large priority for West Suffolk Council. Good luck to all applicants and we cannot wait to see the delicious dishes they produce!”

Claire Waterson, operations manager of Culinary Arts Academy from West Suffolk College, added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Future Chef competition and believe this opportunity fosters creativity, teamwork and confidence in children. This cultivates a learning journey where every dish crafted is a lesson, and every experience a recipe for lifelong success.”

The final date to enter the competition is Thursday, November 30, 2023, with the cookery course starting on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

More information and how to apply can be found at West Suffolk College: Choose Hospitality – Future Chef Competition (wsc.ac.uk)