Budding young chefs are cooking up winning treats to give themselves a head start in their future careers in the kitchen.The culinary skills of youngsters, aged from 12 to 16 years old, are currently being put to the test in the Young Chef of Bermuda Competition.Students from schools across the Island are being asked to cook and serve a main course and dessert for two people costing no more than $40.The preliminary rounds are taking place at Warwick Academy until the end of this week, with the winners then going on to the final at Bermuda College on May 21.The competition was the brainchild of Laura Knight, the food and nutrition teacher at Warwick Academy, who says she wants to “ignite the love of cooking” in young people.She said: “This competition aims to encourage young people to develop cookery skills, food presentation, healthy eating options and in addition prove their organisational skills and ability to cope in a demanding situation.“These are all essential skills to meet the demands of a busy kitchen.”Those in the know from the Chefs Association of Bermuda will be judging the students’ edible creations. The judges will be handing out marks based on the healthy choices of dishes, planning, range of skills, neatness and hygiene, use of time, taste and presentation.All finalists will receive a special competition white apron and a chef’s hat.Ms Knight hopes the competition will encourage young people to take up careers within the hotels and restaurants of Bermuda.She hopes the grand finale will be a “wonderful, creative day to promote essential culinary skills”.The cooking challenge for students has been sponsored by The Fairmont Southampton Resort and Bermuda College.