He will join 33 other budding chefs in Melbourne next February to participate in the all-expenses-paid four-day mentoring program which will include field tours, up-skilling workshops, intimate dining at some of Melbourne’s most prominent restaurants and educational mentoring classes with industry leaders.

Reece is thrilled to be offered an opportunity like this so early into his apprenticeship and thanked head chef Richard McCarthy for his inspiration and training so far.

“I’ll be one of the youngest kids there. I’m really proud and happy to be in it,” he said.

“I have a big passion for cooking. I just love it now, it’s all I can think about doing.”

The winner will receive an International Culinary Scholarship tailored to their individual aspirations as a professional chef.

“I hope to be travelling the world expanding my knowledge, preferably in Europe,” Reece said.