The aim of the competition is to promote hospitality as a potential career choice. Entries open online for the YCYW competition on 31 July and will close on 15 September 2019 where a shortlist of 40 finalists will be announced (20 chefs and 20 waiters).
Entry is open to those who are 26-years-old or under on 29 October 2019. Entrants can take part if they’re currently employed in the role of chef or waiter and have been employed for three years or more in the hospitality profession.
The entries will be judged by ‘leading figures’ in the hospitality industry including head judge Theo Randall, Claude Bosi, Emily Roux, Jeff Galvin, Andy Downton and Johanna Wimmer. The finalists will take part in a two-day competition on 29 October.
Robert Walton MBE, said: “As the past chairman of the competition from 2006 to 2012, I’m delighted to relaunch the Young Chef Young Waiter concept and give a new generation a fantastic opportunity to excel in the hospitality industry. The revamped competition will have an X Factor style to it so contestants can demonstrate their best work and passion for their vocation.
“I’m excited to partner with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association for the 40th anniversary of the competition and we have Magnum, Arla Pro and the Cayman Islands as our title sponsors. The final in October is sure to be a star-studded affair to celebrate this prestigious occasion.”
The prizes will be for the top three chefs and the top three waiters. Prizes include travel with accommodation and work experience with ‘experts’ in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Anne Pierce MBE, chief executive of The Springboard Charity: “We are delighted that Young Chef Young Waiter has been relaunched – it will once again play an important part in helping young people progress in their early hospitality careers – and thrilled that YCYW will be supporting Springboard’s Future Chef & FAB programmes run in secondary schools.
“Our school programmes engage young people from 11 to 16 years old, inspiring them to join the industry. YCYW then picks up the baton and nurtures the next stage of their career.”