The Future Stars Scheme – launched by not-for-profit awarding body iCQ Awards and sector skills council People 1st International in response to Ofsted guidance – aims to enrich college learners’ experience by funding extracurricular activities and providing essential equipment.
Grants can be used for initiatives including masterclasses and skills workshops with industry professionals, visits exploring ethical and sustainable food production, and discovery days with leading suppliers.
As part of the scheme, Future Stars has also partnered with equipment supplier Russums to provide eligible learners with a free chef’s jacket or front-of-house uniform, as well as discount codes for equipment ahead of the new academic year.
People 1st said the initiative comes at a critical time, with the hospitality sector continuing to face widespread staffing shortages while catering and hospitality courses experience dropout rates well above the national average.
“The key to building a sustainable pipeline of talent starts with raising aspirations and inspiring students early on in their careers,” said Dennis Twomey, managing director at iCQ Awards.
“Our hope is that Future Stars will enable colleges to provide unique and meaningful experiences that resonate with learners, making a lasting impression that shapes their careers long-term.
“Providing every learner with high-quality, professional wear is equally as vital. The right tools of the trade can make all the difference, demonstrating to learners they are valued and supported from day one.”
Among those backing the initiative is Luke Holder, chef director of Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood hotel in Hampshire, who said his formative years helped cultivate his lifelong passion for food.
“It is essential to light that spark to launch a long and successful career in the industry, and I count myself incredibly lucky that I got to work in some amazing kitchens early on in my career.
“Looking back, those early years were full of pivotal lightbulb moments which really helped me to hone my abilities and shape my identity as a chef, but it’s by no means a given that every budding young chef or aspiring maître d’ will get the same opportunities.
“Going behind the scenes in a Michelin-starred kitchen for the very first time or getting up close to sustainable food production, for example, are the sort of career affirming experiences that will inspire ambitious young hospitality professionals to sustain a career for the long term.”
The £10,000 fund is open to People 1st-accredited college restaurants, as well as college restaurants that hold – or are eligible to apply for – an AA College Rosette, among others. Applications close at midnight on 31 October. Full eligibility criteria and application details are available here.