South West College (SWC) recently hosted the Springboard FutureChef 2024/2025 local finals, gathering talented young chefs from across Tyrone and Fermanagh at its Dungannon and Erne campuses. Students from Years 10-12 across the Tyrone and Fermanagh areas competed in high-stakes heats, vying for a spot in the Northern Ireland Finals, set to take place at Belfast Met’s Titanic Campus on 7 February 2025.

Celebrating its 26th year, Springboard’s FutureChef competition is the UK’s largest school-based culinary competition. Supported by Henderson Foodservice, it aims to introduce young people to the culinary world, providing them with real-life skills and inspiring them to consider careers in the hospitality industry.

The first heat took place on 6 November at SWC’s Dungannon campus, where eight aspiring young chefs cooked in a professional kitchen for the first time. Under the watchful eyes of esteemed judges, John Whyte from Armagh City Hotel, Aaron Duffy from Castle Leslie Estate, and head judge Geoff Baird from Henderson Foodservice, the students prepared impressive main courses. Aoise Taggart from St. Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley emerged victorious. With guidance from her mentor, Chef Aaron Duffy, Aoise will now advance to the Northern Ireland Finals.

A few days later, the excitement continued at SWC’s Erne campus with the third heat of the competition. Students from St. Aidan’s Derrylin, Aughnacloy College, Mount Lourdes Grammar, and St. Fanchea’s College showcased their culinary talents in an intense 60-minute challenge. The young chefs skilfully crafted two dishes, impressing the judging panel, which included head judge Geoff Baird, Adam Milliken from Lough Erne Resort, and 2007 FutureChef winner Stephen McFarland, who now lectures at SWC Enniskillen. The round concluded with Wiktoria from St. Aidan’s Derrylin crowned as the winner. Guided by her mentor, Adam Milliken, Wiktoria will join Aoise in representing the region at the upcoming Northern Ireland Finals.

SWC, Catering team said: "Congratulations to all the competitors, judges, and everyone involved in making the Springboard Future Chef competitions such a success! As a College we are delighted to support these competitions, that offers young people the chance to take their first steps into a vibrant, creative industry. Witnessing the skill, passion, and dedication of these young chefs has been truly inspiring. With Northern Ireland’s culinary scene thriving, FutureChef plays a vital role in nurturing talent, building essential skills, and opening doors to rewarding careers. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a launchpad for the future of our hospitality sector."

Catering and Hospitality