The Gold Service Scholarship 2020 will kick off for applications from young hospitality industry professionals on Monday, 2nd September, with a closing date on Wednesday 2nd October 2019. The competition, now in its 8th year, continues its annual search for ambitious and talented UK front-of-house specialists, aged 22-28, working in Food & Beverage, who aspire to greater professional heights in their careers.

Edward Griffiths, Trustee and Chairman of the Judges, praised the phenomenal quality of candidates and their achievements over the past seven years of the Scholarship. “It has been so gratifying and rewarding to meet and mentor so many young people who are dedicated to their particular craft within the hospitality industry. Each year, we have witnessed the pride they take in their work, and the appreciation they have for their involvement in the Gold Service Scholarship.”

Ranging from waiters and assistant managers through sommeliers and bar staff, the Gold Service Scholarship attracts candidates from hotels, restaurants, catering companies and many other service organisations and venues.

The key common denominator of all Gold Service Scholarship applicants has always been a desire to improve their skill set, to network with like-minded industry colleagues, and to engage with the Trustees and Ambassadors who are active mentors throughout the process.

Applications must be made online on www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk. An explanation of the Scholarship process, with tips on how to apply, is also on the website. Following the closing date for entries on 2nd October, the Quarter Finals will take place on 26th October at Café Royal and the Langham on 28th October, followed by the Semi-Finals on 25th November at Rosewood London. The Final testing will be held at Corinthia London in early January, followed by the Gala Awards Ceremony on 12th February at The Berkeley where the new 2020 Scholar will be announced.

Past Scholars proudly explain how much their achievement has meant to their career growth. The current 2019 Scholar, Karen Gruet, who is Assistant Restaurant Manager at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, proudly explained: “The Scholarship has enabled me to develop my knowledge through many incredible learning experiences and has helped me explore many different sides of the front-of-house profession.”

Hospitality consultant and Gold Service Scholarship Ambassador Diego Masciaga also commented: “Service is a huge commitment; anyone can be great for a few days but being consistently able to deliver exceptional service requires a 24-hour commitment, hunger to succeed, humility and honesty – and this is what the Gold Service Scholarship instils in our young professionals.”

The hashtag #GSS2020 is in common usage on social media for further information on the Scholarship.  Background to The Gold Service Scholarship is a feature article from 2017 on fine dining guide that outlines the workings of the scholarship and is useful for background reading.

In summary, it was launched in 2012 to encourage a lasting heritage of excellence in hospitality, and it is proud to have the endorsement of Her Majesty The Queen as its Patron.

Its Trustees include some of the UK’s most highly regarded professionals, including Willy Bauer (Founder), Alastair Storey (Chairman), Edward Griffiths (Chairman of the Judges), Sergio Rebecchi, Silvano Giraldin, Thomas Kochs, Sara Jayne Staines and John Davey. The programme celebrates the craft of service in F&B and front-of-house, and nurtures young talent through tailored mentoring. The past seven years’ Scholars and Finalists have had impressive progression in their careers to date, due in part to the networks that they have established during their association with the Scholarship. As Alumni, they also are members of Team Gold, a newsletter and social sharing platform for all Scholars and Finalists.