THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD HOSPITALITY SCHOLARSHIP 2017

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Royal Household Hospitality Scholarship will provide an opportunity for passionate and skilled hospitality professionals from the Caribbean Realms to join the Master of the Household's Department at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in 2017.  Scholars will undertake a six-week placement, culminating in the delivery of Royal Ascot Week at Windsor Castle in June 2017.  

Master of the Household's Department

The core role of the Master of the Household’s Department is the planning and delivery of all entertaining done by The Queen, both official and private, in the UK and overseas.  The Department also provides support for The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other Members of the Royal Family.  The Department's other main role is to provide the domestic arrangements to the wider Royal Household in the form of the provision of meals, residential and office accommodation and housekeeping, and service support.

Hospitality scholarship

This scholarship will offer a focused placement for hospitality professionals seeking further advancement in their chosen field.  The scholars will have an opportunity to join the Master's Department within the Royal Kitchens, the front-of-house and house-keeping sections and experience a number of events throughout their time with the Royal Household.  Scholars will be provided with a room within staff accommodation at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace for the duration of the six week placement.  Accommodation, meals and travel within the programme will be provided by the Royal Household, while living expenses should be covered by the scholars.

Scholarship project and certificate of completion

Scholars will undertake a six-week project during their time with the Royal Household, which will include learning milestones and personal development goals, which will be established and reviewed throughout this period.  

For chefs - this may be to learn the skills to assist in creating complex chocolate or sugar craft.

For housekeeping professionals - this may be to learn the skills required in caring for the collection of works of art.  

For a front-of-house professional - this may be to learn the skills required to deliver exceptional service in a historic environment.

On successful completion of the project, scholars will receive a certificate of completion from the Royal Household.

Networking opportunities

A number of networking opportunities will be arranged within the six-week programme to give scholars an opportunity to interact with hospitality professionals based in the UK and learn about their careers, as well as forging lifelong friendships. This will include visits to companies which supply the Royal Household with goods and services.  This will offer invaluable insights into specific industries, products and services.  

Application process

Applications will be accepted from those in their early career, currently employed in the hospitality industry in one of the disciplines detailed below.  Applicants' employers should support their applications and be willing to act as a referee for the application process.  

Applicants will be required to complete an online application via this link where they should:

• Attach their CV and a covering letter detailing their motivation for applying for the scholarship and what they hope to gain from it. Specifically how it will enhance their professional skills and contribute to their personal development.
• Attach a letter of support from their employer (details below). Unfortunately, applications cannot be accepted without this.

The closing date for applications is: 5th January 2017.

Applicants should expect a response by early February.

Employer letter of support

Employers are asked to write a letter of referral to be included with the application. In this letter the employer must:

• Positively support the employee's application and state what they hope the employee will gain from the experience.
• Confirm the employee's salary and commit to pay this salary for the duration of the scholarship.

Practical arrangements

Accommodation, meals and travel as part of the programme will be provided by the Royal Household, while living expenses should be covered by the scholars.  Return flights will be provided by the Caribbean Realm.  Each scholar will receive a certificate of completion from the Royal Household at the end of the 6-week placement.

Applications will be accepted from those currently working in one of the following three hospitality disciplines.

Hospitality disciplines

Chefs

The Royal Kitchen is looking for ambitious individuals with a passion for cooking, who have already achieved a recognised trade qualification in catering, or have begun to study for a qualification.  Candidates should be keen to learn new techniques in food preparation, enjoy being part of a professional team, and take great pride in the food that they prepare. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to experience all sections of the kitchen, and will be involved in the preparation of canapés for receptions and events, fine dining menus, and meals for employees.

Front-of-House

The front-of-house team is looking for individuals with significant guest-facing work experience who enjoy providing an exceptional level of service.  Candidates will be keen to learn how to care for historic china, glass and silver items, how to prepare and serve wines, how to look after guests, and serve front-of-house at a range of functions.  The ideal candidate should demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, develop existing skills, and explain how they deliver a high quality guest experience within their current role.

Housekeeping

The Housekeeping team is looking for conscientious and meticulous individuals with at least six months work experience within the hospitality industry.  Candidates should be keen to learn how to care for artwork and furnishings, and prepare rooms for a range of purposes to the very highest standards.  The ideal candidate should demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, develop existing skills, and explain how they care for and present the areas they are responsible for within their current role.  

Outline Programme

Chefs - F Branch

Front-of-House- G Branch

Housekeeping - H Branch