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- Tasks: Join a busy kitchen team and learn from experienced chefs while preparing fresh, local ingredients.
- Company: St Austell Brewery, a historic brand 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 in a vibrant environment with clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and eagerness to learn; no prior experience required.
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 Harbour Light, 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 in Paignton employer: Harbour Light, Paignton
Contact Detail:
Harbour Light, Paignton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef in Paignton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, check out The Harbour Light and its menu. This shows your genuine interest and helps you chat about how you can contribute to their culinary team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Whether it’s whipping up a classic dish or experimenting with new flavours, being hands-on in the kitchen will boost your confidence and impress during practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with industry folks! Attend local food events or workshops to meet chefs and other culinary professionals. Building connections can lead to opportunities and insider tips on landing that apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at St Austell Brewery.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When 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 The Harbour Light.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for motivated and hands-on individuals, so share what makes you unique and why you’d be a great fit for our kitchen team. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more about us and what we offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Light, Paignton
✨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 cooking and understanding of quality food.
✨Show Off Your Skills
If you have any practical cooking experience, be ready to talk about it! Whether it's a dish you've mastered or a technique you've learned, sharing specific examples will demonstrate your hands-on experience and eagerness to learn more.
✨Understand Kitchen Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with how a professional kitchen operates. Discussing the importance of teamwork, communication, and efficiency under pressure can highlight your readiness to thrive in a busy environment like The Harbour Light.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquiring about the training process, career progression opportunities, or the team culture shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.