A budding student chef from Sarisbury Green has got through to a national cooking contest.
Fareham College student chefs Josh Wheeler (back row, centre) and Damon Jones (back row) go through to the next round
Josh Wheeler, who is studying Level 3 Professional Cookery at Fareham College, is in the running to win a placement at a Michelin star restaurant now that he has got through the first stage of the Electrolux Chef Academy 2013 competition.
The 19-year-old, and fellow catering student Damon Jones from Gosport, also 19, will be putting their culinary skills and techniques to the test at the Electrolux Chef Academy in Luton on May 21.
If they are successful they will be invited to attend the Grand Final cook-off at Westminster Kingsway College in front of the judging panel and present dishes to Michelin starred chefs in the Escoffier Restaurant.
Josh, a former Brookfield Community School student, said: “I was shocked to even hear back saying that I have got through to the semi-final. At first I was so excited and overjoyed then I started to feel nervous because I realised the bigger challenge awaits.
“I am still excited that I have made it this far. I think if I were to be one of the finalists it would mean a lot to me because not only will it mean that I get a great start to my career, it will also make my career as well.”
The prize is a 12-month paid placement rotating every four months around three Michelin starred restaurants in the UK – The Kitchin, Edinburgh, The Elephant, Torquay and Casamia, Bristol.
Hospitality and Catering Lecturer Oonagh Taylor said: “This is an amazing opportunity for these students. We have watched and helped nurture them to become the next generation of talented chefs. Whatever happens in this competition, these are two young chefs to watch out for in the future.”