New Hospitality Scholarship Launches in Scotland
Key Takeaways
-
Dundee and Angus College has launched a new hospitality scholarship to support students.
-
The initiative is backed by former MasterChef judge and chef John Benson-Smith.
-
The scheme aims to address the UK-wide shortage of chefs, estimated at 100,000.
-
Three students will be awarded in July, gaining unique experiences and employment opportunities.
-
Scholarships like this highlight the importance of training and retaining new hospitality talent.
A New Scholarship for Hospitality Students
Dundee and Angus College is spearheading a new hospitality scholarship to support the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals. The initiative, supported by former MasterChef judge and chef John Benson-Smith, is designed to help students gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in a sector still facing major recruitment challenges.
The scholarship was created by education ambassador John McGee, who has worked extensively across Scotland’s colleges to strengthen links between curriculum and student experience. McGee said the idea came after recognising the scale of the industry-wide skills shortage and the need to celebrate students’ commitment and ambition.
Why Scholarships Are Needed
The hospitality sector continues to face a shortage of 100,000 chefs across the UK, alongside wider recruitment struggles following COVID-19 and Brexit. Many workers have left the industry seeking job security, work-life balance and career development elsewhere, leaving a pressing need to upskill future talent.
Scholarships like this aim to fill the gap by rewarding dedication and providing hands-on opportunities that prepare students for long-term hospitality careers.
What the Scholarship Offers
The John Benson-Smith Scholarship will be open to first, second and third-year students on professional cookery and hospitality courses at Dundee and Angus College.
Three winners will be announced in July, receiving:
-
Unique educational and professional experiences
-
A bespoke chef’s jacket
-
Employment opportunities, including placements with local hotels
The judging process will consider not only technical cooking ability, but also attitude, motivation and resilience.
How to Apply
Applications will be shortlisted in March. Candidates will be asked four key questions, including:
-
Why they chose to study hospitality or cookery.
-
The challenges they have faced during their studies.
-
Their goals for the future.
-
How the scholarship would support their aspirations.
A judging panel will make the final selection, with awards presented in the summer.
FAQs
Why was the scholarship created?
To support hospitality students, address the chef shortage, and recognise young talent entering the industry.
Who is John Benson-Smith?
A chef, business leader, and former MasterChef judge with a varied career in hospitality.
What do the winners receive?
Professional experiences, a bespoke chef’s jacket, and job opportunities in local hotels.
How does this benefit the wider industry?
By encouraging new entrants into hospitality and equipping them with vital skills to fill long-term staffing gaps.
Partner with KSB Recruitment
The launch of this scholarship shows just how vital training and retention are for the future of hospitality. At KSB Recruitment, we have been helping employers solve staffing shortages for over 30 years by connecting businesses with skilled chefs, kitchen porters and front-of-house staff.
If your hospitality business is struggling to recruit, or if you are looking for your next role in catering, we can help.
📍 Regus Park, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AG
📞 0121 828 9840
📧 info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
Looking for work? Explore our latest hospitality jobs.
