The Acorn Scholarship is an independent award created by previous winners of Caterer and Hotelkeeper’s Acorn Awards.
Now in it’s 8th year, the Scholarship’s objective is to seek out talented individuals within the catering and hospitality industry and help them realise their ambitions and reward their determination.
The Acorn Scholarship is a self-nominated award (although you must have the backing of your employer) and is open to individuals who are UK residents and able to work in the UK without restriction.
What past winners say about winning a scholarship
"This a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have met some of the most amazing people and been lucky enough to travel the world learning more about the industry. It’s all thanks to the contacts and friends I’ve made through the Acorn Scholarship.
My confidence and knowledge has grown hugely this year and now I’m delighted to have taken on a bigger role within Compass as a result of my new found skills."
Simone Sylvestre, 2009 Winner - Read Simone's blog here
"I’m completely bowled over by winning the Acorn Scholarship. I’ve always had a passion for food and it’s this passion that helped me win. It has been the absolute highlight of my career so far. I have become more skilled and developed my own style in the kitchen. It has set me well on my way to achieving my ambition of my opening my own restaurant.”
Rob Hartwell, 2008 Winner
“Wining the acorn scholarship has exceeded all my expectations! I’ve learnt so much, visited some of the best places and met some of the most inspirational people in our industry. The scholarship has given opportunities to travel abroad and as part of my prize I have started a part-time management course. I really feel that I have developed incredibly this year and I’m really going to miss being the Acorn Scholar!”
Julie Lardie, 2007 Winner
"Winning the Acorn Scholarship has helped launch my ambitions within the industry. I have developed as an individual and as a manager. I have been inspired, gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge and networked with key industry players – invaluable to my career. Oak and the Scholarship sponsors really have helped turn my dreams into a reality."
Kelly Widley, 2006 Winner
What does the prize include?
A £2,000 bursary to use for professional development
£1,500 worth of learnpurple training, plus monthly coaching sessions with learnpurple Managing Director Jane Sunley
A trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg
Development’ Lunch where the winner will meet with leading industry figures and agree their development and educational activity for the year ahead
A designated ‘mentor’ who acts as their guide during their year as a scholar including drawing up a flexible training plan
Springboard UK Ambassador training
Annual subscription to Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine
For more information on how to enter the scholarship, visit www.acornscholarship.org.uk or contact chairman Jon Reed on 020 7836 6999. Deadline for entries is 23 October.
Apply now
For further details on how to apply go to www.acornscholarship.org.uk. Closing date for applications is 10 October 2008.
Other enquiries
Please send any queries to: info@acornscholarship.org.uk
Acorn Scholarship on Table Talk
Caterer’s networking forum, Table Talk, has joined forces with the Acorn Scholarship to offer some incredible prizes over the next few weeks.
To win a host of amazing prizes including an overnight stay with dinner, bed and breakfast with spa treatment at any Malmaison/Hotel du Vin property, join Table Talk now. Each week all Table Talk members will be automatically entered into a prize draw, courtesy of the Acorn Scholarship. Simply go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk to become a member.