Chef Shortage | Culinary Association of Wales

The hospitality industry is in crisis because too few young people are choosing a career as a chef, the Culinary Association of Wales president has warned.

Arwyn Watkins, the Culinary Association of Wales president, believes not enough students progressing into the industry after their studies is to blame for the shortage across the UK, Europe and North America. Speaking at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) awards dinner Arwyn said: “I believe that this is no longer a skills shortage but a people shortage, not enough individuals are taking this industry as a serious career choice. Even when they have made that career choice, not enough are progressing on to the industry on completion of further education. “We have to work with employers to share best practice on work life balances and the changing dynamics and expectations of the workforce. No longer can our industry survive on goodwill. We all have to think differently if we are to secure a sustainable workforce. Not an easy ask but necessary.” He revealed that a Culinary Association of Wales member will be working more closely and effectively with post 16 learning providers in Wales in the future. Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans, a guest at the awards dinner, said she was passionate about raising the profile of rewarding and exciting careers in the food and tourism industries in Wales. She also highlighted the important contribution that chefs and the hospitality industry can make to achieving goals set out in the Food Tourism Action Plan for Wales by establishing Wales as a food tourism destination. One of the team of judges for the four days of

the WICC was Will Holland, the Michelin starred chef

Close Message - I might contribute in the future

I love what you do, let me contribute right now

from Coast Restaurant, Saundersfoot. Whilst recognising the industry’s recruitment problems, he was upbeat about the enthusiasm, energy and standards achieved in the competitions, which attracted around 300 chefs from across the UK to Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea. “It was great to see the range of chefs, from students through to seniors,” he said. “The main things I noticed were the brilliant standard of competitions and the energy and enthusiasm within the industry. It fills me with confidence that there are chefs that will be filling our boots in the future. “The attitude and enthusiasm of the young chefs was fantastic. You can teach them how to cook but you can’t teach them attitude. Some of the college students were competing for three days in a row and they were here until the last competition every day because they wanted to watch and learn as much as they could. “They chose to be here cooking rather than on holiday, which says a lot about their attitude.” Mr Watkins thanked all the competitors, sponsors, judges for making the WICC so successful. The main awards went to: Junior Chef of Wales winner, Ben Mitchell, The Grove Hotel, Narberth. National Chef of Wales winner, Ben Mitchell, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, near Bath. Battle for the Dragon winners, England. Open live class winner, Elise Evans, Coleg Cymoedd. Best team live, Loughborough College. Overall Cake Cymru winner, Dianne Swan, former Coleg Llandrillo learner. Best hygiene award sponsored by Eco Lab, Shannon Lee, City of Liverpool College. Best college, North Warwick and Hinckley College. Best junior live award, Shannon Butler, Loughborough College.

>>> READ: Chef Shortage: What the chefs say

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.