The competition is open to anyone on a recognised catering education course (full or part time). Teams of two will compete for prizes including a Michelin Star experience, at a restaurant in their region.

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: "Cooking for the future is a fantastic, forward-thinking concept which will help support the next generation of chefs and UK catering colleges. We are delighted to lend our expertise as part of the judging panel.”

The winning college will get the latest in advanced kitchen technology in the shape of a Rational iVario multifunctional cooking system. All the finalists will receive an embroidered Rational chef’s jacket, a Rational knife set and a year’s membership to the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Thomas Bentham, Rational’s regional corporate chef who is leading the project for the company, added: “This competition is designed to enthuse catering students, by showing them what modern kitchen design is all about, and the results they can achieve using the latest multifunctional cooking systems.

“This is exciting technology, and we want catering students to see that for themselves, using the very best of British ingredients.”

The initial entry requires student chefs to use multi-media by combining written recipes with a video. Four regional winners will be selected from this round to advance to the live final where they will cook under the watchful eye of the judging panel.

Rational is supporting the competition with a full range of educational resources including online training, site presentations and visits to colleges by Rational chefs.

Students who attend a live webinar session will learn about the key benefits and features of Rational cooking systems in a modern professional kitchen. There will also be a Q & A session with one of the Rational corporate chefs to help support the students. 

Students can sign up for the Rational webinars here: 

• 17th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• 17th September, 14:30 pm – 16:30 pm
• 27th September, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
• 27th September, 14:30 pm – 16:30 pm
• 11th October, 10:00 am- 12.00 pm
• 11th October, 14:30 pm – 16:30 pm

To support students with their competition entry, Rational are issuing three newsletters. You can register for your newsletter updates here: [email protected]

If you would like a visit and a presentation on Rational cooking systems to support competition entries, Rational will be happy to arrange a visit and presentation.

To book a date convenient to you, or for any additional support, information or queries please contact: [email protected]

Rational cooking system product information can be found at: rational-online.com. 

There’s also a comprehensive range of videos available found at: www.youtube.com/user/RATIONALAG

Entries will open on the 6th September 2021, with the final live event scheduled to take place in February 2022. To enter the competition, visit here.