This year’s scholarships from the OCC Trust are now open for submissions. Aimed at young people working or studying in the fields of hospitality and gastronomy, the awards provide financial and mentoring support to young professionals who, in the words of the scholarship founders, ‘have the potential to make significant and positive contributions to industry and society’.
Additionally, organisers hope to identify future changemakers who are aiming to make a positive impact on communities, places and the natural environment.
‘Throughout our careers, many of us have benefited from the support of mentors who have helped us recognise and realise our potential,’ explains OCC chairman, Ben McEwen. ‘We have also witnessed the ripple effect of mentoring, including the creation of organisational cultures in which nurturing the talents of others becomes the norm.
‘It is this personal experience that prompted us to set up the OCC Trust to help support the personal and professional development of young people who are working or studying in the fields of hospitality and gastronomy.
‘We are keen to attract applicants from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, including those who may not have accessed formal support in the past. Applicants are invited to propose a self-designed project which will benefit them personally and professionally and have a positive impact on others.
In addition to a grant of £5,000 and 12 months of mentoring support, winners will also become members of a supportive community of scholars who work collectively to effect positive change in industry and society.
‘This is also a call out to employers and educators who are aware of talented young professionals working or studying in hospitaAlllity or gastronomy, who they believe could be worthy recipients of an OCC Trust scholarship.
The Lou Willcock Scholarship and the Golden Chopsticks Scholarship are open for applications now.