Fourteen secondary school students have begun their journey in the 2026 Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy, a six-week programme designed to provide hands-on culinary training in professional kitchens across Antigua and Barbuda.

From July 13 to August 21, participants will work alongside experienced chef mentors at leading hotels and restaurants, gaining practical experience in the hospitality industry.

The programme will culminate in a Cook-Off Challenge from August 25 to 28, where students will showcase the skills they have developed during their internships. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 3 and crowned the 2026 Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef.

This year’s academy also features a new regional partnership with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association. The overall winner will travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2027 to participate in the Junior Lit’l Chefs Program, part of the TCI Hospitality Adventure Camps, where they will train with professional chefs and interact with other aspiring young culinary students.

Organisers credited the Isaac family for supporting the programme in honour of the late Ted Isaac, while also acknowledging sponsorship from Global Ports Holding (Antigua Cruise Port), participating hotels and restaurants, chef mentors, teachers, and other partners who contributed to the initiative.

The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy aims to develop young talent and encourage careers in Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality and tourism sector.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy Launches with Regional Opportunity for Top Student.