St Austell Brewery has opened applications for 25 budding cooks to join its chef apprenticeship programme.
The brewery’s 35 managed pubs, inns, and hotels across the South West include sites such as the Pedn Olva, in St Ives, and the Chain Locker, in Falmouth.
Applicants do not need to have any experience — all they need is a positive attitude, a passion for food, and a desire to forge a future in the industry.
They will learn hands-on, practical experience in the kitchen, alongside talented experienced team members, working to create dishes with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Apprentices will also enrol on an academic-based course to help them develop the skills needed for a successful career in the world of food.
The brewery is widely recognised for its work with apprentices. It won the BII National Innovation in Training Award for best apprenticeship programme in 2017 and has been shortlisted for the award since.
St Austell does not believe in paying apprenticeship rates, so successful applicants will be paid a minimum of £8.36 per hour, or national living wage if they are over the age of 23. Apprentices also receive a 30% discount on food and drink, and 50% off accommodation. On completion of the 12-month apprenticeship, they will have the opportunity to move into a permanent role.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “Our pubs, inns, and hotels are go-to destinations where good times are celebrated. We are passionate about delivering great hospitality and making sure that every one of our guests receives a warm welcome and enjoys excellent food and drink.
“Our people are at the heart of making this happen, and a talented chef team delivering brilliant food is so important to our guests’ experience. Joining our family business as an apprentice chef is a unique opportunity to work at some of the South West’s top kitchens and learn from truly talented individuals.”
Brandon’s story
Chef apprentice Brandon Penwarden, aged 20, now works at the Hicks Bar — part of St Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre. In 2019, he was awarded apprentice achiever of the year at the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
He said: “I have learnt so many new skills during my apprenticeship, with the support of my colleagues at St Austell Brewery, as well as my tutors at Truro and Penwith College.
“I am nearly finished on my course now, and it is really rewarding knowing that I will be able to go straight into a full-time role at the Visitor Centre once I have finished my course.”
• To find out more and to apply for St Austell’s apprenticeship programme, which works in partnership with colleges across the South West, visit staustellbrewerycareers.co.uk/chef-apprenticeship/. The closing date for applications is 25th, October 2021.
