Final opportunity for young chefs to enter the Graduate Awards 2024

Over recent weeks, the Craft Guild of Chefs has seen an increase in enquiries around its Young National Chef of the Year (YNCOTY) competition. With the Graduate Awards providing a platform to compete in YNCOTY, the Guild has extended its deadline for ten days.

Achievers of this prestigious exam will be seeded directly into the semi-finals of YNCOTY in 2025 and for one chef, straight to the national final.

craftguildofchefs.org/competitions/graduate-awards

Whilst this incredible competition opportunity does entice chefs to get involved, the Graduate Awards bring many other opportunities for young chefs. The Guild hears stories about how it has helped candidates to gain promotions or new job roles as well as grow in confidence professionally and personally. This is down to the mentoring and support which young chefs receive.

All Graduate Awards finalists will be taken on a two-day foodie experience in July where they will meet local suppliers, learn more about the tasks for the final with demonstrations from experts and have time to socialise with like-minded chefs. Chefs who have previously achieved the award also describe the connections they make during the process. It allows young chefs the chance to meet others outside their workplace who have similar ambitions and are at the same age and stage of their career.
The Graduate Awards will now remain open until midnight on Friday 10th May. It only takes a few minutes for chefs to enter using a short online form and there are opportunities to get involved with either the Kitchen or Pastry Exam.

Those who make the Kitchen semi-final will have the chance to cook for former National Chef of the Year and chef patron at Launceston Place, Ben Murphy. Executive chef at Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, Sarah Frankland will be heading up the Pastry Award for the first time.

Steve Munkley, founder of the Graduate Awards and Vice-President of the Craft Guild of Chefs said: “We know from speaking to previous Graduate Awards achievers that the link with Young National Chef of the Year is a huge draw. However, the skills chefs will learn and develop in this exam will help them not only in future competitions but in their day jobs and future careers too. If you take a look at the Graduate Awards stories we have been sharing on our website and social media channels, it highlights that this event really is a fabulous stepping stone for any young chef wanting to excel in their career.”

The Graduate Awards wouldn’t be possible without its impressive list of sponsors who are all keen to help the Guild to develop young culinary talent. This includes The London Meat Co, Oranka, Savoy Educational Trust, Reynolds, Meiko UK, Essential Cuisine, City and Guilds, Robert Welch, Villeroy & Boch, Continental Chef Supplies (CCS), James Knight of Mayfair, Worshipful Company of Cooks, CCE London Ltd, University of West London, Lakeland Dairies, Grande Cuisine, The Caterer, Maldon Salt, NOWAH, Wild Farmed, and Daregal Gourmet.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.