Springboard Programme: Springboard FutureChef

Region: Scotland

Year: 2023

Amber Rissmann was 16 years old when she competed in the Springboard FutureChef Competition for the third consecutive year; this time, making it all the way to the National Final where she represented Central & South Scotland.

Amber has shared her experience of competing in Springboard FutureChef, as well as some opportunities she’s had opened to her since the National Final! Have a read and see what Amber had to say about the competition!

“I have always loved cooking, when I was really little, I used to help my dad cook dinners and had my own little knife to help around as much as I could. I come from a long line of hospitality with both my dad, grandfather and great grandfather all being in hotels. I guess it’s in my blood! At home I love to experiment with cooking and during lockdown I was baking and cooking new things every day!

Taking part in the Springboard FutureChef Competition was one of the most exciting things I have done. I was lucky enough to reach the National Final this year and represent Central and South Scotland. This was my third year in the competition, but this year was the year I finally made it to the National Final in London. My amazing home economics teacher Mrs Robinson said to me when I first took part to get her to London and I promised I would! The first year I didn’t make it passed my School Heat, Second year I got one stage further to the Local Finals, and this year I finally made it all the way through the Regional Finals to compete at the National Final!

What an experience! I was very lucky to be participating with my mentor Gary Townsend who was absolutely incredible in giving up all his time to help me and encourage me. I wouldn’t have got to where I was without him. We must have filleted over 30 rainbow trout in our time practicing!

London was amazing, it totally surpassed all my expectations and to be in the final was a dream come true. I had some issues with my ovens during the final, but I kept going and got my dishes out. I didn’t place in the final but was so pleased to have even got there.

After the final I was also lucky enough to get a behind the scenes tour of the kitchens at The Grosvenor Hotel in London. This was fantastic and I loved seeing how the kitchens all worked in such a big hotel.

Since the final I have continued seeing Gary which has been incredible to have his ongoing support, I have also been lucky enough to gain the support from one of the National Final judges, and FutureChef Champion, Mark Heirs who asked me to come and do a live cooking demo at the Ideal Home Show Scotland where I made Banana Soufflés live on stage. This was so exciting (and a little nerve-wracking too!) I am now in the process of applying for an apprenticeship with Gleneagles and in the meantime getting more experience in One Devonshire Gardens with Gary and at The Strathaven Hotel. I can’t wait to see where this leads me, and I can’t thank Springboard FutureChef enough for their help in my journey.

For anyone else thinking of applying, go for it! It’s a brilliant opportunity and the support you receive and continue to receive is second to none.

Even if you don’t reach the final like I did those first 2 years, try and try again, it’s so worth it!”