Pierre Koffmann to offer Cordon Bleu Scholarship winner an apprenticeship
Pierre Koffmann is set to offer the winner of the Le Cordon Bleu UK Scholarship Award 2012 a nine-month apprenticeship at his eponymous restaurant at the Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge.
The scholarship, which is open to 17 to 20-year-olds, is worth over £30,000 and pays for course fees and accommodation in Central London.
Koffmann, who was awarded three Michelin stars at his former restaurant La Tante Claire, said he was delighted to be involved, adding: "Le Cordon Bleu is a byword for culinary excellence: I regularly employ its graduates, thanks to the first class training it provides.
"I am particularly pleased to be involved in this scholarship since it aims to give young people with limited means the chance to study Le Grand Diplôme."
Last year's winner was 17-year-old Abigail Watson from Kent, who has just taken up her apprenticeship with Tom Aikens, the Michelin-starred chef who backed the inaugural award.
She commented: "I strongly encourage anyone who has a passion for cooking to enter the Le Cordon Bleu UK Scholarship Award 2012. It is the most amazing opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. It will give you fantastic opportunities to pursue a career in the culinary world."
Applicants are invited to upload a short video of themselves at cordonbleu.edu/ukscholarship, explaining why they should be considered for the prize.
Semi-finalists will then be invited to an interview, before the finalists reconvene for the last stage of the competition in early 2013.
The winner will be chosen by a panel of Le Cordon Bleu's Master Chefs, alongside senior members of Le Cordon Bleu's academic committee.
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
E-mail your comments to Janie Manzoori-Stamford here.
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
