All entrants will develop practical skills at their college or workplace during the first phase and as the competition progresses they will learn valuable industry-led skills through a blend of face-to-face and virtual challenges.

Following the Grand Finals - two front of house and two back of house winners will be announced at the awards ceremony and invited on the Toque d’Or 2022 winners’ trip. This includes a gastronomic weekend in Dubai and attend the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 in Abu Dhabi.

The Sustainable Futures theme will be reflected across each challenge, covering elements such as nutrition, health, food waste and seasonality.

The judging panel includes MasterChef The Professionals: A Festive Knockout winner Louisa Ellis, alongside sommelier and wine expert Raul Diaz as well as the 2021 Winners: Kenny Markham (BOH apprentice) and Sophie Taylor (FOH student).

Katya Simmons, managing director Nestlé Professional UK&I, said: “Toque d’Or is a such a great initiative to play a part in – one of the highlights of our year! The calibre of students and apprentices we see is truly inspiring, testimony to the college lecturers and employers who put them forward.

“Everyone loved the format of last year’s competition. Despite the pandemic, we retained the competition’s trademark excitement and community through a mix of virtual and face-to-face learning and challenges.

“As a result, we’re using many of the same techniques this year. Even better, we can encourage more entrants to get involved and take advantage of the training on offer.”

To register and find out more about the competition training, format and timeline, college lecturers, employers and apprentices must go to: www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor.