St Austell Brewery Apprentices Shine with Top Awards – See Who Won!

Published On: 13 February 2025Last Updated: 13 February 2025By CornishStuff

Celebrating Success During National Apprenticeship Week

St Austell Brewery is marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the achievements of its 65 apprentices, with special recognition for two employees who have earned prestigious awards at the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.

Award-Winning Apprentices

Alice Norris, from the Borough Arms in Bodmin, was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year, while Piers Smith, who works at Haveners in Fowey, won the public vote award for Apprentice Achiever of the Year. The county-wide awards took place on 7th February.

Alice has worked in St Austell Brewery’s managed pub estate for the past three years, starting as Assistant Manager at The Central in Newquay before moving to the Borough Arms, where she recently earned a promotion to General Manager.

Piers began his journey as a Kitchen Porter (KP) at Haveners in 2022, before progressing to Commis Chef. He is currently completing his Level 2 Professional Chef apprenticeship.

Jon Kelley, Early Careers Manager at St Austell Brewery, praised their achievements, saying:

“Alice won Hospitality Apprentice of the Year for the amazing work she has put into her apprenticeship, all while relocating, receiving a promotion from holding manager to manager, raising funds for charity, and improving productivity at the Borough Arms.”

“Piers’ apprenticeship journey has literally transformed him into a self-assured member of his team and a much-loved part of the community that surrounds Haveners. It has been great to see his confidence grow. He is a great example of the transformative power of apprenticeships and thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

A Commitment to Apprenticeships

St Austell Brewery is dedicated to supporting apprentices across various roles, with 65 individuals currently studying at levels ranging from GCSE to Master’s across 26 different subject areas. In 2024, 37 apprentices completed their courses, with 26 working in the brewery’s 46 managed pubs.

Jon highlighted the importance of apprenticeships, adding:

“Apprenticeships are a direct route into careers offering real-world experience – not just an alternative to education, as is often thought. If all the nominees at the awards represent Cornwall’s future, that future is looking bright.”

Internal Recognition for Outstanding Apprentices

During National Apprenticeship Week, St Austell Brewery also held its own annual apprenticeship awards, recognising Karl Memory and Jordan Woolley.

Karl, a chef at the Royal Castle in Dartmouth, is completing a Level 3 Senior Chef course. He was recognised for his positive attitude, leadership in food safety, and mentoring junior apprentices. Karl also supports the local community, donating surplus food to a food bank and even volunteering to cook Christmas lunch. He also made headlines for his bravery in rescuing someone who fell into a river outside the pub, administering first aid until help arrived.
Jordan, a member of the engineering team, is completing a Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineering course. He has played a key role in preventing breakdowns through risk analysis and has represented St Austell Brewery at various events.

Apprentices Take Over Truro Restaurant

As part of the celebrations, St Austell Brewery apprentices took over Spires Restaurant in Truro on 11th February, curating a three-course menu with Truro College’s hospitality team for 50 diners. The menu featured dishes created by St Austell Brewery chef apprentices and showcased local suppliers. Brewing apprentices also paired each dish with one of St Austell Brewery’s beers, providing tasting notes.

Careers Fair Draws Hundreds to the Brewery

On 12th February, over 700 local school pupils attended a Careers Fair at the brewery, where they explored the career opportunities available within the business.

Find out more about St Austell Brewery’s apprenticeship opportunities here.