Abigail Watson, 18, from Sevenoaks in Kent, had her career dreams come true when she was awarded a scholarship and apprenticeship at a London restaurant.
Along with thousands of others hoping for the best possible start to a catering career, Alison applied for a Le Cordon Bleu scholarship, together with a nine-month placement at Chelsea restaurant Tom's Kitchen.
Le Cordon Bleu scholarships are open to 17-20-year-olds, offering them the chance to live in Central London while studying at the world's premier culinary arts institute.
To apply for a Le Cordon Bleu scholarship - worth over £30,000 - applicants need to post a short video clip online showing why they love cooking and food. They also need to demonstrate what interests and inspires them in the kitchen, knowledge of the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and tell what their dream job would be.
Successful applicants at this stage are chosen not on the basis of their culinary skills, but on that of their determination and passion for the craft.
The maker of the most popular of those online videos joins the makers of the fifteen most knowledgeable and passionate submissions to be interviewed in London, Eight finalists are then asked to create a specific dish, and the winner - in this case, Ms Watson - is judged not on what is created ... but how it's created.
“It has always been my dream to go to Le Cordon Bleu,” said Abigail. “I saw it advertised and applied and uploaded my video explaining how much I love cooking and what I wanted to do after the course.
“Owning my own patisserie is my dream.”
It's been confirmed that their 2012 UK Scholarship Award winner will be offered a nine-month apprenticeship with renowned chef Pierre Koffmann.
Michelin-starred Koffmann says he’s looking for someone “hard-working, willing to learn and passionate”.
