Shetland pupils are stirring, whisking and beating up a storm in their school kitchens this year as they take part in the nationwide FutureChef competition.

Shetland Enterprise (SE) is contributing money to assist pupils to take part, for the first time, in the scheme which is organised by the Springboard Charitable Trust.
It is designed to help young people aged 12-16 learn about food and how to cook. It is also aimed at encouraging youngsters to consider cooking as a professional career by linking them up with mentor chefs and providing them with an insight into the industry.

Over the coming months nearly 50 children from Whalsay Junior High; Anderson High; Sandwick Junior High and Aith Junior High schools are to prepare a hot meal for two in one hour using a budget of £3.50 for ingredients.

The winner from every school, judged by industry professionals, will go forward to the local final towards the end of this year when preparation time and budgets will increase. From this event winners will compete in a regional final and could go on to the grand UK final in March 2007.

SE has agreed to contribute £1000 to cover the transport costs involved in the scheme.

Rachel Hunter, SE development manager said: "One of the key recommendations in a 2004 survey on the hospitality, tourism and service sector carried out by Shetland Enterprise in 2004, was to improve the image and attractiveness of the hospitality industry to young people in Shetland.

"For many people it is not seen as a viable career option and Shetland Enterprise believes that FutureChef may help change that perception."

Although this the first time Shetland schools have participated, FutureChef is now in it seventh year nationally and given more than 20,000 youngsters kitchen experience.