Applications for the nationwide Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship will open on Friday 31 March, with participants competing for the chance to work in three internationally acclaimed hospitality businesses around the world, followed by a one year mentorship.
Since its inception in 2014, the Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship has attracted a range of industry members, including baristas, bartenders, chefs, matre ds, winemakers, producers and restaurateurs.
Last year’s scholarship winner, Elika Rowell, head roaster at Square One Coffee Roasters, won a trip to coffee farm, caf and lab, Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza (FAF) in Brazil, which will include a tour of the Programa de Educacin a Caficultores (PECA) organisation run by Caravela Coffee in Colombia, and attending the Re:CO specialty coffee symposium in Seattle in April 2017.
“This experience will give me a greater understanding of the different aspects of sustainability within the coffee industry, which I cannot see from where I currently stand,” Rowell said.
“I think to call yourself a professional in any industry, you must continuously strive for knowledge, and I will now have the opportunity to express to people just how important sustainability is, in all of these different facets.”
The judging panel will comprise four judges: Gail Donovan, owner of Donovan’s Restaurant, Matteo Pignatelli of Matteo's Restaurant, Rafael Rashid, the forefather of the Melbourne food truck scene and Jo-Ann Moody, gastronomy manager of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Online applications for the Scholarship open 31 March 2017 and close 5pm on 17 May 2017. The Scholarship is open to Australian residents aged 22 – 35 and currently working in hospitality in any area.