At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a busy kitchen team and learn from experienced chefs while preparing fresh, local ingredients.
- Company: St Austell Brewery, a historic venue with a commitment to developing culinary talent.
- Benefits: Earn £9.50-£12.71 per hour, enjoy discounts, free meals, and a fully funded qualification.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you!
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on experience and clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 € per year.
Calling All Aspiring Chefs... Start Your Culinary Career with St Austell Brewery. Are you passionate about food and ready to turn that passion into a career? At St Austell Brewery, being a chef is more than just a job. It's a craft, a skillset, and a pathway to a rewarding future. If you're motivated, hands‑on, and eager to learn, this is a chance to gain real kitchen experience, industry recognised training, and a nationally recognised qualification – all while earning a decent starting salary.
Why Join Us? We're offering an exciting opportunity for a Chef Apprentice to join the team at The Royal Castle, a high‑profile venue that makes up a part of our managed pub estate. With 175 years of heritage, we're committed to developing talent and creating clear career pathways. Whether your ambition is to become a Head Chef, lead your own kitchen, or progress into wider hospitality management, we are well placed to support your development. With sites across Cornwall, Devon, Bath and the Isles of Scilly, you'll also have the opportunity to build your career in some of the South West's most sought‑after locations.
What You'll Be Doing: From day one, you'll be part of a busy, fast‑paced kitchen team, learning directly from experienced chefs. You'll develop key skills including:
- Preparing and cooking fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Learning core kitchen techniques and food presentation
- Understanding how a professional kitchen operates
- Working efficiently under pressure
- Building the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in a live service environment
- Following food safety, hygiene, and industry best practices
Alongside your practical experience, you'll complete a fully funded Level 2 apprenticeship in Professional Cookery. By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have the skills, confidence and experience to progress your career within St Austell Brewery or beyond.
What's in It for You? We offer a strong and practical benefits package:
- We pay well – candidates under 18's will receive £9.50 per hour and those over 18's will be paid £12.71 per hour
- Fully funded Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery
- 30% off food and drink across all our pubs
- 50% off overnight stays, plus a free two-night stay each year
- Westfield Rewards – discounts across major retailers and attractions
- Clear career progression opportunities
- Free meals on shift
- Paid time off for volunteering
St Austell Brewery is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and support flexible working requests where possible. We review applications as they come in and may close the advert early, so early application is encouraged. We are unable to offer UK sponsorship for this role. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies.
Apprentice Chef employer: Dartmouth, Royal Castle
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that values passion and creativity in the kitchen. With a commitment to employee development, you will receive industry-recognised training and a fully funded Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery, all while working in some of the South West's most beautiful locations. Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and clear career progression opportunities as you embark on your culinary journey with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into The Royal Castle and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a feel for the place.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Try out some recipes at home and be ready to talk about your favourite dishes during the interview. It’s a great way to show your passion for food and what you can bring to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other aspiring chefs or industry professionals on social media. You never know who might have tips or even job leads that could help you land that apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining St Austell Brewery and starting your culinary journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's cooking at home or helping out in a restaurant. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about starting your culinary journey with us.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Apprentice Chef. Highlight skills and experiences that relate directly to the job description. This shows us that you've done your homework and are serious about joining our team at St Austell Brewery.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for authentic individuals who are eager to learn. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your aspirations and what you hope to achieve in your culinary career – we want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application as soon as possible, and it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmouth, Royal Castle
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Being able to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would use them in dishes shows your passion for food and understanding of quality cooking.
✨Show Off Your Skills
If you have any prior experience in a kitchen, be ready to talk about it! Share specific examples of techniques you've learned or dishes you've prepared. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and eagerness to learn more.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Familiarise yourself with how a professional kitchen operates. Research common kitchen roles and responsibilities, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a busy kitchen environment. This shows that you're proactive and ready to jump in.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Working in a fast-paced kitchen requires resilience and adaptability. Think of examples from your past where you've had to think on your feet or handle pressure. Sharing these experiences will highlight your ability to thrive in a live service environment.
