Applicants complete an online form (link below) before taking part in a series of quarter-final, semi-final and final assessments covering table setting, menu knowledge and practical food and drink service.
In the final, candidates must prepare for and deliver a three-course lunch to VIP guests while being observed by senior industry judges.
The closing date for applications is 6 October. To be eligible, applicants must be aged between 22 and 30 on that date.
The Gold Service Scholarship aims to inspire, educate, and nurture young talent in the hospitality industry.
It offers networking opportunities with like-minded peers, professional development through training, workshops, internships, and travel, as well as access to experienced industry leaders who share their knowledge and insights with the next generation.
Ambitious professionals have the chance to refine their skills through mentoring and placement opportunities with top professionals and businesses.
Finalists will benefit from educational trips to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, where they will participate in a bespoke five-day course; a trip to Porto to learn about port; stages at leading restaurants across the UK and the opportunity to work at a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Additionally, they will gain automatic membership to the competition’s Team Gold alumni network, which provides various educational opportunities throughout the year.
The scholar themselves will experience a tailored programme of learning opportunities, which include internships at prestigious locations such as the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Hong Kong, as well as a trip to Champagne with Laurent Perrier, and a visit at Windsor Castle.
“I cannot put into words how incredible the scholarship has been for me. Not only has it given me the confidence to really push on in my career, but the network I have created as part of the process has been amazing, ” says last year’s winner Joel Pennington.
“I have contacts from all parts of our incredibly diverse sector. I’ve also had the benefit of having access to so many senior mentors from across the hospitality industry.
“It’s not just the Scholar who benefits from this. Just being part of the process adds so much to your career development.”