SOUTH West apprentice chefs have just under two weeks to apply for the culinary experience of a lifetime.
The experience is the annual Fonterra Proud to be a Chef 2015 mentoring program.
Thirty-two finalists will be selected to take part in the all-expense paid program held in Melbourne.
From Monday 23 to Thursday 26 February, 2015, the finalists will participate in culinary master classes, dine at award-winning Melbourne restaurants and have an incredible opportunity to learn, develop new skills and be mentored by some of Australia’s culinary leaders.
All apprentices involved in the program will cook an original creation and work with a food photographer to see the dish and recipe come to life and published.
One apprentice will receive the major prize of $7500 to spend on an international culinary paid placement which is tailored to their cooking aspirations.
Three apprentice chefs from WA were involved in the program last year, with Ashlee Carter from Margaret River taking out first place.
Ms Carter is currently undertaking a placement at Tetsuya’s in Sydney before heading to Spain to gain experience in the Michelin star restaurant El Poblet in Valencia.
Judging throughout the program is conducted by an expert panel of industry professionals including chefs, educators and representatives from the Australian Culinary Federation and Fonterra Foodservice.
Entries for 2014 are open from now until 31 October 2014 and all passionate apprentice chefs in Australia are encouraged to enter via www.fonterraproudtobeachef.com.au or the Fonterra Proud to be a Chef Facebook page www.facebook.com/proudtobeachef.
Read more about Ashlee Carter's success in the program here.