St Austell Brewery Offers Chef Apprenticeships Across South West Pubs

St Austell Brewery seeks new chef apprentices for pubs across the South West

St Austell Brewery is on the lookout for at least 20 new chef apprentices to join its team this year, offering placements at some of the South West’s most scenic and iconic pubs – from Penzance to Bath.

And it’s not just for school leavers. The opportunity is open to anyone looking to start fresh, change careers or relocate, with no previous kitchen experience or qualifications needed. The only requirement is a passion for food and a willingness to learn.

Career progression and real-world training

Since 2017, the brewery has supported 265 apprenticeships across its business, with 147 of those in chef roles. The new roles are part of a structured programme offering on-the-job experience, mentoring and formal learning with trusted training providers.

Jon Kelley, Early Careers Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “We see ourselves as leaders in the region when it comes to hospitality apprenticeships. Our chef programme is the perfect launchpad for a career that could take you anywhere – whether that’s running your own kitchen, exploring new locations, or stepping into broader roles within the company.”

The company currently has 62 apprentices across 27 different qualifications ranging from Level 2 to Level 7. These cover areas including brewing, engineering, logistics, finance and hospitality.

Achievement rates are well above the industry average, rising from 53.2% in 2023 to 68.6% in 2024, compared to a 46.5% average across the sector. St Austell Brewery is aiming for a 75% achievement rate by the end of 2025.

Real success stories

Several team members have climbed the ladder through the programme. Liam Couch from The Pier House, Joshua Whitmore from the Borough Arms and Jacob Williams from The Punchbowl and Ladle all started as Level 2 Commis Chef apprentices and are now training as Level 3 Chef Supervisors. Liam is now an Assistant Head Chef, while both he and Jacob have moved to new sites.

Daniel Barnard, also from The Pier House, completed his apprenticeship with distinction and now works in the brewery’s central food support team.

Others, like Joshua Pentin (The Chainlocker), Josh Bullen (Hicks Bar), Hari Dupi (Royal Castle), Holly Day (Pedn Olva), Ryan Savage (Harbour Inn), and Courtney Evenden (The Pier House), completed the Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor apprenticeship and are now Assistant Managers. Courtney has since moved into the central reservations team.

Alice Norris from the Borough Arms and Glenn Collar from The Lifeboat both progressed from Assistant Manager roles to General Manager after completing the Level 4 Hospitality Manager apprenticeship.

Award-winning recognition

In 2025, several apprentices were recognised for their achievements. Alice Norris was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year at the Cornwall Awards, while Piers Smith from Haveners in Fowey was awarded Apprentice Achiever of the Year at the same event. Karl Memory from the Royal Castle in Dartmouth won Hospitality Apprentice of the Year at the South Devon College awards.

Benefits and where to apply

Chef apprentices receive competitive pay while they train, plus 30% off food and drink and 50% off accommodation. The roles provide hands-on kitchen experience and a chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications in some of the most desirable pub locations in the country.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/careers/search-for-a-role