Top chef Tom Aikens partners with Le Cordon Bleu to offer students life changing Scholarship

Aikens will mentor one student for a period of nine months in 2012. The chef is offering the paid apprenticeship as a practical element to a new initiative run by Le Cordon Bleu London. The culinary school is offering students in the UK the chance to be awarded the Le Grand Diplôme Scholarship Award. Worth over than £30,000, the scholarship and apprenticeship together is an opportunity for anyone wishing to make a career in the restaurant business. The scholarship will look at Basic, Intermediate and Superior Cuisine and Basic, Intermediate and Superior Pâtisserie all taught by Le Cordon Bleu London's master chefs. Applicants must post a short video clip on the Le Cordon Bleu UK Scholarship Award website www.cordonbleu.edu/ukscholarship (no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds and a file size no larger than 250Mb) showing why they love food and cooking. They should demonstrate what interests them, what they know about Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, what their dream job is, and what inspires them in the kitchen. The winner will be chosen based on their passion and determination; previous culinary experience is not a necessity. Aikens commented: "I am delighted to team up with Le Cordon Bleu London on this fantastic initiative. I want to offer young students who are passionate about food the chance to really learn the tools of the trade first hand. Working alongside accomplished restaurant staff, the student will be able to experience firsthand many practical aspects of the restaurant business." Chef Julie Walsh at Le Cordon Bleu London added: "This will be the first time that Le Cordon Bleu London has offered the Le Grand Diplôme Scholarship Award. We are looking for 16-19 year old students; they don't have to be experienced in cooking. All they need is passion and we'll teach them the rest!"