14 year old Olivia Armstrong cooked up a storm to reach Springboard’s FutureChef Regional Final.
On 17th November 2016 at Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School, young aspiring chefs competed in FutureChef 2017. FutureChef directly relates to the national curriculum and gives young people a life skill. It aims to tackle the severe skills shortage facing hospitality by inspiring 12-16 year olds to develop their cooking skills and understanding of nutrition.
Springboard’s FutureChef features a four stage national competition, annually involving over 8,000 participants. It also includes classroom resources, chef demonstrations and skills challenges, and forms a link between schools and hospitality employers.
Olivia Armstrong from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi beat four to reach the North West Regional Final of Springboard’s FutureChef competition. Olivia served a delicious menu of Confit of Salmon, new potato & crab crush & dill drizzle and Poached Pear with chocolate ganache and will compete for a place in the final on 6th February 2017.
Olivia said:
“I’m so surprised and didn’t expect to win, but can’t wait for the Regional Final”.
Head Judge Gareth Billington from Sodexo, Everton FC said:
“The standard was so high today and it was a close competition, but Olivia showed excellent workmanship, creativity and presentation with a good balance of flavours.’’
Springboard Regional Manager Joanne Greenall said:
“Springboard’s FutureChef was developed as a result of research into young people’s ideas about the hospitality industry. Research revealed that young people really admire high-profile celebrity chefs, yet surprisingly few genuinely consider a career as a chef! Springboard’s FutureChef provides teachers and young people with a wonderful insight into the wealth of career opportunities that the hospitality sector has to offer.”
The competition will culminate on 27th March 2017, with the National Final taking place at Westminster Kingsway College in London.