St Austell Brewery has announced the relaunch of its chef apprenticeship scheme in partnership with colleges across the West Country.
They hope to attract candidates of all ages “from school leavers and those starting their careers, to those seeking a career change or new challenge.” No prior experience or minimum qualifications are required, “just the appetite to learn.”
The network of colleges across the South West they are partnering with includes Cornwall College Group, Truro & Penwith College, Exeter College, Bath College and more. The programme guarantees a minimum of 30 hours of practical time in the kitchen, with a starting rate of £9 per hour for under-21-year-olds. This hands-on experience is supported with regular college classes, that take place at least once a fortnight during term time. On completing the programme, successful apprentices will receive a formal qualification. Roles are available in St Austell pubs across the region from Cornwall to Bath.
Jon Kelley, St Austell’s early careers manager, said: “We’re excited to be relaunching our popular chef apprenticeship programme for another year and welcoming new recruits to our pubs. We believe quality training and nurturing talent is at the heart of staff retention. That’s why we’re looking to invest in at least 30 chef apprentices, offering them hands-on experience and industry mentorship, with a formal qualification on top!”
He added: “To really change people’s perception of a career in hospitality – arguably one of the most important industries in our region – we need to also change the way we train to carry on nurturing talent. That’s something we’re immensely proud of at St Austell.”
Jacob Williams works at the County Arms in Truro and has been on the St Austell level 2 chef apprenticeship programme for almost a year.
Jacob said: “Before joining the team at the County, I was on a building course that wasn’t what I had expected, so I was looking to make a change. I enjoy being an apprentice for St Austell. I am being given the right amount of time to learn and gain practical skills – all while being paid. The support I have available to me across the business has been great too. My hopes for the future are to stay with St Austell, progress through to level 3 and level 4 and eventually become a head chef!”
For more information, visit www.staustellfamilygroup.co.uk/jobs-and-careers.
