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Sir Reg tastes success at Northern Ireland ChefSkill competition

24 March 2010

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today praised competitors at IFEX ChefSkill 2010, Northern Ireland’s leading culinary competition.

Sir Reg was given the opportunity to watch the various competitions taking place, including Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, and a new Restaurant Service competition, and to participate in a ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ type of restaurant experience which saw young chefs and food service students cook and serve up to 50 invited guests.

Speaking at the event at the Kings Hall, Belfast, the Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to support this high profile competition and to see Northern Ireland’s most talented young chefs and catering students compete for an array of medals and awards, including the coveted Chef and Junior Chef of the Year titles.”

The Minister stressed the importance of skills competitions in raising standards of training and showcasing the opportunities that a vocational career route can offer.  IFEX ChefSkill 2010 is officially recognized as one of a number of UK wide competitions which will identify potential candidates to compete for a place on Team UK in the Cookery and Restaurant Services competitions in WorldSkills London 2011.  WorldSkills is the largest international vocational skills competition which takes place every two years in one of the WorldSkills member countries.

Sir Reg said: “Northern Ireland has a great tradition of winning culinary competitions, and it would be great to see one of our talented students go on to win a medal at WorldSkills London in 2011, proving that we have what it takes to provide world class hospitality.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The ChefSkill Salon Culinaire competition is a major attraction at the International Food, Drink, Hospitality and Retail Exhibition (IFEX) exhibition.  It is a three-day skills competition for Northern Ireland’s most talented young chefs and catering students.
  2. The 2010 competition will identify possible candidates for future skills competitions including Worldskills London 2011.
  3. WorldSkills is the largest international vocational skills competition and takes place every two years.  The next WorldSkills is being hosted by the UK in London in October 2011.
  4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.