A major scholarship designed to attract young New Zealanders into hospitality as a career is now open for applications.

The Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship is valued at $30,000 and is open to workers in the food and beverage industry such as front and back of house, bar staff, sommeliers, baristas, winemakers, chefs, and restaurateurs, among others.

Applicants must be New Zealand residents, aged between 22 and 35 at the time of their submission, and have a minimum of two years’ experience working in the hospitality industry. Applications close on Monday 22 July at 11:59 pm.

The scholarship includes a five-day placement at a top international hospitality venue, professional development, a one-year mentorship, business training and future participation in Visa Wellington On a Plate.

Visa Wellington On a Plate Manager Beth Brash says the opportunity has benefits for the entire hospitality industry. “Giving an up-and-coming hospitality professional the chance to travel and learn internationally allows them to bring that knowledge back to Aotearoa and enrich the culinary scene here,” she says.

Last year’s recipient of the scholarship was Bellamy’s Head Chef, Joshua Ross. He has plans to travel to Thailand to spend time at the internationally-renowned Gaggan Anand and also wants to visit the two-Michelin-starred Moor Hall in the United Kingdom.

Joshua has also worked with a number of mentors, including Michael Meredith, Ben Bayly, Al Brown, and Chand Sahrawat, which he says has been extremely rewarding. “Getting to work with some legends of the New Zealand culinary scene, experiencing different kitchens and restaurant environments has been invaluable. It’s given me skills and new ways of thinking that I can bring into my work on a daily basis.”

The scholarship winner announcement will be on Monday 28 October. The Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship is supported by the Hospitality Training Trust.

W: For entry details visit visawoap.com/visa-nz-hospitality-scholarship