Do you have a flair for cooking? If so, the UK’s leading culinary arts, wine and management school would like to hear from you.

In partnership with some of today’s most exciting chefs including Will Holland, of Coast, Saundersfoot, Le Cordon Bleu is in search of the country’s most passionate aspiring chef.

The school is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who may have thought a career in food would only ever be a dream, through its 2016 UK Scholarship Award.

The most sought-after prize will be a place on the coveted diplôme de pâtisserie, followed by a three-month diploma in culinary management.

The scholarship award, which is now in its fifth year, includes luxury accommodation in central London, courtesy of partner Urbanest, and an internship with Clare Smyth MBE, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, Hospital Road, Chelsea, where Clare has been head chef for the past six years and became the first British female chef to hold and retain 3 Michelin Stars.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime prize, worth in excess of £35,000.

With over 120 years’ heritage, Le Cordon Bleu has built a worldwide reputation in the hospitality and gastronomy industry, and as part of the 2016 scholarship, Le Cordon Bleu teamed up with star chef Will Holland, of Coast, Saundersfoot, to find the next culinary talent in Wales.

At the launch on Friday, MP Simon Hart joined Will, his team and local journalists for a culinary workshop showcasing some of the skills which are taught at the school with pâtisserie chef Matthew Hoggett.

Le Cordon Bleu hope to tackle the shortage of chefs which threatens to change the restaurant landscape by finding and nurturing the best emerging culinary talent in the UK, helping them to gain traditional skills and develop a strong knowledge of the latest trends and culinary developments to support an adapting industry.

At the Welsh launch, partner chef Will Holland, of Coast, said: “It’s exciting and a pleasure to be involved in this year’s Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship and to help scour the country to find the next aspiring chef with that something special. Our industry is amazing and the Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship prize is the perfect runway into a career in it for the lucky winner.”

Head pâtisserie chef at Le Cordon Bleu London, Julie Walsh, commented: “The scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for someone who has a passion for pâtisserie. There has never been a more relevant time than now, when the hospitality industry is experiencing a drastic shortage of young chefs with relevant training in traditional techniques. There really is no better way for them to take the first step on the ladder when it comes to finding their dream job.”

Partners Urbanest added: “We are looking forward to continuing the support of this prestigious scholarship with Le Cordon Bleu. We also look forward to welcoming the winner to Urbanest and provide a great living experience that will help them make London their home for the duration of their course.”

Applicants are invited to apply by uploading a short video clip introducing the panel to their county at: ukscholarship.cordonbleu.ed; completing the online application form; posting a picture of their favourite British cake on Instagram tagged LeCordonBleuLondon with the #allIneedispassion.

Applications will close at midnight on April 3, and successful applicants will subsequently be invited for the semi-finals in their region.

The last stage of the competition will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London, where the winner will be chosen by a panel of Le Cordon Bleu’s world-renowned master chefs and lecturers in June.

For more information, visit ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu