Despite the extremely challenging time the industry is facing, ambitious young chefs are continuing to enter these awards online, showing huge determination to develop their skills and careers once this crisis is over.

To ensure that as many chefs as possible have this opportunity, the Guild has extended its deadline until Thursday, April 30th. Chefs have the option of participating in either the Kitchen or Pastry Exam, which involve a series of culinary challenges. The organisers are working hard behind the scenes to confirm new dates for the semi-finals, the mentor experience, and the final exam.

The entire Graduate Awards committee is focused on ensuring this established annual event goes ahead.

Steve Munkley, Vice-Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs and founder of the awards said: “None of us could have imagined what we’d face as an industry this year.

“However, I know that once this is over, the hospitality industry will be back; stronger and more resilient than ever. Culinary events like the Graduate Awards push determined, talented and ambitious young chefs right into the limelight and I wanted to make sure all of them still have an opportunity to grow and shine this year.

“As an industry we need focus, hope and positivity right now and there will be many inspiring stories to come out of this awful experience. For me, simply seeing chefs enter the awards at the most difficult time of their career, has been uplifting as it shows the real strength chefs have.

“I’ll be using my time over the coming months to make sure these awards are one of our best yet and provide help, advice and support to all those chefs who make it to the next stage.”

To be part of the 2020 event, chefs simply need to complete a short entry form and confirm who their mentor will be.

Head chefs are encouraged to support their young chefs by recommending them for this award as it can drive skills up in kitchens and increase confidence. The entry form is available at https://craftguildofchefs.org/competitions/graduate-awards.

You can follow all the Graduate Awards action on social media using the hashtag #CGCGradAwards.