The Acorn Scholarship is an independent award created by previous winners of Caterer and Hotelkeeper’s Acorn Awards.

Now in its 7th year, the Scholarship’s objective is to seek out young 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.

"I've been involved with the Acorn Scholarship since its first year and it's amazing to see how much vision and passion there is from the individuals that seek to win the Scholarship.

This award helps individuals to make a difference to our industry and in turn inspires those that work within it. What an opportunity The Acorn Scholarship offers for the future of hospitality!"

Michael Caines
Chef and Restaurateur, MBE

What past winners say about winning a scholarship

"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 - Read Rob's blog on Caterersearch.com

“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 towards realising your dream
• £1,500 worth of learnpurple training
• A trip to Villeroy and Boch in Luxembourg
• A development lunch where you will: meet with leading industry figures; meet your designated “mentor” who will act as your guide during your year as a scholar; and draw up a flexible training plan.
• Free Springboard UK Ambassador training
• Our top 10 finalists will all benefit from mentoring from high profile industry leaders

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