Last chance to apply for the 2012 Acorn Scholarship

The deadline is looming for the 10th annual Acorn Scholarship. Developed to help talented individuals realise their potential, the Acorn Scholarship is an independent award created by previous winners of Caterer and Hotelkeeper's Acorn Awards with a first prize scholarship valued at over £7,000.

Michael Caines, chef director of ABode Hotels, Gidleigh Park and Bath Priory, commented: "As the Acorn Scholarship celebrates its 10th birthday it is great to reflect on the opportunities we've given 100 bright applicants over the years. The Acorn Scholarship's unique approach to unearthing talent and working with individuals to realise their career potential is as strong today as it has ever been. There is no doubt that this industry has got talent and each year the calibre of people applying to benefit from this amazing opportunity increases"

The Acorn Scholarship is open to anyone from the industry - past winners include a restaurant manager, sous chef, nutritionist and catering manager. Judges will be looking for talented individuals who have a passion for the industry and a burning desire to succeed in their chosen field.

The winner of this prestigious award will receive: a £2,000 bursary for professional development, £1,500 worth of learnpurple training, plus monthly coaching sessions with learnpurple managing director Jane Sunley, an educational trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg, a development breakfast with leading industry figures to agree development and educational activity for their scholarship year, a designated mentor to guide them through the year as a scholar and Springboard UK Ambassador training.

Since winning the 2011 Scholarship, Joel Fagg (pictured), operations manager at Barcelo Walton Hall Hotel, has spent 12 months learning from the some of the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders the industry has to offer. Joel invested his bursary on an educational trip to Asia and was able to get under the skin of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as a consequence. Fagg commented: "I've grown my knowledge and confidence so much this year. The Scholarship has surpassed my expectations and allowed me to build relationships with the leading lights from hospitality. I'm delighted that I have also been able to create a mini legacy through my careers conference which I hosted for school leavers on the 10 October.

"My employer; Barcelo Hotels has supported me hugely and my goal of becoming a hotel general manager is closer than ever."

The deadline for applications is 21 October 2011, after which 10 finalists will be asked to present their submission to a panel of judges.

APPLY NOW >>

Acorn Scholarship 2012 now open for entries >>

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Meet the former winners of the Acorn Scholarship >>

By Amanda Afiya

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