A group of 11 finalists, aged 15-16, went head-to-head in an intense two-hour cook-off last monthto win three apprenticeships with offshore catering firm Entier.
More than 130 aspiring cooks and hospitality managers from four Aberdeen schools took part in the annual Fresh Olives Apprenticeship competition to win the prize of apprenticeships with the Aberdeen-based company.
The academy pupils, from Bridge of Don, Bucksburn, Old Machar and Hazelhead Academies, participated in a series of tasks and practical assignments over the last six months, which were designed to fit into their school syllabus.
Entier launched the Fresh Olives apprenticeship awards in 2010 aimed at fourth-year school leavers interested in a career in the catering and hospitality industry.
The final itself took place at Aberdeen Grammar School, where the 11 finalists had to prepare a Chinese stir fry dish made with chicken, ginger and mushrooms.
The panel of masterchef judges, including Entier’s managing director Peter Bruce, said it was a difficult task to choose a winner this year as once again the standard was high.
The panel selected three winners, Eve Johnston and Connor McAtasney from Bridge of Don Academy and Shane Pirie from Bucksburn Academy.
All three were delighted and are looking forward to starting their apprenticeship training.
Entier’s managing director, Peter Bruce said: “This is the third year of Fresh Olives and the standard keeps improving.
“Given the standard we have seen today, our future is in good hands.
“I am looking forward to the Fresh Olives winners joining our business and growing workforce of over 450.
“As an award-winning business we have great ambitions and to meet these we have to ensure we recruit the best people.”
The competition, which is backed by the Scottish government’s business to education programme, is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Entier was created in 2008 and provides catering, housekeeping, maintenance and hospitality services in more than 40 countries around the world.