St Austell Brewery is offering a unique opportunity to kickstart a culinary career with a range of exciting chef apprenticeships available across some of the South West’s most iconic and scenic pubs – from Penzance to Bath.
These roles aren’t just for school leavers or those starting out – they’re open to anyone looking to switch careers, relocate, or take on a fresh challenge. No previous kitchen experience or formal qualifications are required, just passion and a willingness to learn.
Since 2017, St Austell Brewery has facilitated 265 apprenticeships across the business, 147 of which have been in chef roles. The company is now seeking a minimum of 20 new Level 2 chef apprentices to join its award-winning managed estate.
“We see ourselves as leaders in the region when it comes to hospitality apprenticeships,” said Jon Kelley, Early Careers Manager at St Austell Brewery. “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.”
Apprentices are supported through structured learning, mentoring, and real-world experience with St Austell Brewery, which has been voted the Best Brewing Pub Company in the UK at this year’s Publican Awards.
There are currently 62 apprentices studying across 27 qualifications from Level 2 to Level 7, covering not just hospitality, but brewing, engineering, logistics, finance, and more.
To deliver this high-quality experience, St Austell Brewery works closely with trusted training providers, ensuring consistent, enriching learning for every apprentice.
Jon added: “Achievement rates for our apprenticeships have risen from 53.2% in 2023 to 68.6% in 2024, keeping us well above the 46.5% achievement rate that the hospitality sector averaged in the same timeframe. We are proudly pushing forwards with our support of apprenticeships and are hoping to hit 75% achievement by the end of 2025. Engagement has improved too; on average, our apprentices stay with us for nearly two years after completing their course and many people have earned promotions and stayed for much longer, building long-term and diverse careers with us.”
Several team members have progressed impressively through the St Austell Brewery apprenticeship programme. Liam Couch (The Pier House), Joshua Whitmore (Borough Arms), and Jacob Williams (The Punchbowl and Ladle) began as Level 2 Commis Chef apprentices and are now training as Level 3 Chef Supervisors, with Liam promoted to Assistant Head Chef and both he and Jacob moving sites. Daniel Barnard (The Pier House) completed his Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship with distinction and now plays a key role in our central food support team. 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) all completed the Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor apprenticeship and advanced to Assistant Manager roles, with Courtney now part of our central reservations team. Meanwhile, Alice Norris (Borough Arms) and Glenn Collar (The Lifeboat), who began the Level 4 Hospitality Manager apprenticeship as Assistant Managers, have both been promoted to General Manager.
In 2025, several St Austell Brewery apprentices received prestigious recognition for their achievements. Alice Norris from the Borough Arms in Bodmin was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year at the Cornwall Awards. Piers Smith of Haveners in Fowey earned the title of Apprentice Achiever of the Year at the same event. Meanwhile, Karl Memory from the Royal Castle in Dartmouth was awarded Hospitality Apprentice of the Year at the South Devon College awards.
Chef apprentices at St Austell Brewery enjoy a host of benefits, including competitive pay while they learn, 30% off food and drink and 50% off accommodation. They gain hands-on experience in dynamic, supportive kitchen environments, work towards a nationally recognised qualification, and have the opportunity to train in some of the most desirable pub locations in the South West.
Find the chef apprenticeships on offer HERE.
