Blanc scholarship to aid mature trainees

RAYMOND Blanc has launched an annual scholarship to be awarded to a trainee chef selected from outside the industry.

The scholarship is aimed at anyone over the age of 25 who is contemplating a career change. Eight shortlisted applicants will take part in a cook-off in January, with the winner gaining a salaried position for a year in the kitchens of Mr Blanc's Oxfordshire restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

During the year, the winner will spend two periods working in the kitchens of leading chefs in France.

Mr Blanc, who himself came to cooking as a career change at the age of 27, believes age is of no consequence in taking up a post in the kitchen. "Enthusiasm, determination, commitment and a love of giving are what it takes," he said.

The scholarship is also intended to demonstrate Mr Blanc's commitment to British chefs, and was launched as part of his two-week Birth of British Chefs celebration, which has just taken place at Le Manoir.

During the fortnight, six renowned chefs trained by Mr Blanc took turns to cook menus featuring their respective signature dishes.