Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence entry deadline is approaching

There are just two weeks to go until the entry window is closed for this year’s Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence.

Applicants must currently be working full-time in the UK as a chef, pastry chef or waiter and should be aged between 20 and 26 as of 31 December 2013.

The AAE is widely regarded as the most prestigious award available to youngsters in the hospitality industry as it recognises and encourages the most talented up and coming workers.

Over 430 people have achieved the award since they were first handed out in 1983 which have helped to set youngsters on to highly successful career paths.

The Awards are an examination as well as a competition with those who reach the excellent standard set by the judges in line to win the AAE.

As well as that, the candidate who scores the highest marks in each section will be named the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Young Chef, Young Pastry Chef or Young Waiter 2014.

Selection for the next stages will be based on the initial written entries with the best moving into regional semi-finals to be held in April with finals taking place in May.

Prizes include a certificate and bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne for all those who reach the National Finals. All winners will then be invited to a Gala Presentation Dinner in July where they will receive a chef jacket or sommeliers apron, a diploma recognising their achievement and a magnum of Champagne.

Winners of the AAE become Alumni of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts while the highest points scorers will be awarded with prize totalling a value of up to £2,000 plus an engraved trophy and educational trip with previous winners travelling to the likes of Dubai and Barbados.

To enter, contact Ilisha Waring to obtain an entry form via 020 8673 6300, email ilishawaring@raoca.org.uk or visit the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts website.