The academy has welcomed more than 90 children each year since it launched over 14 years ago, with many having gone on to full-time courses at the University's College of Food and outstanding careers in the industry.

Among the many professionals to have started their food and hospitality journey with the Young Chefs Academy is Nathan Lane, who is now a chef de partie at The Greenhouse in Dublin – one of only three restaurants in the Republic of Ireland to currently hold two coveted Michelin Stars.

"I wanted to learn more about cooking and becoming a chef, and the academy was the perfect opportunity to do just that before starting college," said Nathan. "You meet new people, you learn new skills and make some delicious food to enjoy!"

After his experiences in the academy, Nathan went on to complete University College Birmingham's Level 3 Professional Cookery course before launching a career which has seen him work at a host of top restaurants around the world, including The Ritz (London), Eleven Madison Park (New York), Pavillon Ledoyen (Paris) and Simon Rogan's Hong Kong restaurant Roganic.

Nathan has also scooped a wealth of accolades, having been crowned the British Culinary Federation (BCF) Young Chef of the Year in 2019, won silver and bronze with the National England Junior Team at the Culinary Olympics, and represented Great Britain at the world finals of the prestigious Bocuse d'Or.

Even with all these successes under his belt, Nathan still fondly remembers where it all started training on the YCA course at University College Birmingham.

"Still to this day, doing the final dinner at the end of the course was the highlight for me," he said. "I think now it put me in great stead for what the future held.

"A big shout out to Chef Shropshall who was my lecturer during the course – he brought such great energy that kept me motivated to carry on learning, and we've since travelled the world and won Olympic medals together.

"Don't hesitate to get yourself down and sign up for the academy, give it your all and go with an open mind – it could totally change your perspective on becoming a chef, and it made me fall in love with cooking even more!"

Other chefs who have enjoyed great success following their time on the YCA course include multi-award-winning chef and former BCF National England Junior Team captain Jack Gameson, as well as current team captain Elliot Lawn, who now works as a private dining chef to Aston Martin and Ferrari.