At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic kitchen team and learn essential cooking skills from experienced chefs.
- Company: St Austell Brewery, a historic brand with a passion for nurturing culinary talent.
- Benefits: Fully funded qualification, discounts on food, free stays, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience in iconic locations across the South West.
- Why this job: Turn your love for food into a rewarding career in a vibrant pub environment.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and eagerness to learn; no prior experience needed.
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
Additional Information
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. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or scraping of this advertisement, including any company information or branding, by third‑party or non‑partner websites is strictly prohibited.
For further information, please contact recruitment@staustellbrewery.co.uk
Apprentice Chef employer: Royal Castle, Dartmouth
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and skill development in the heart of Dartmouth. With a commitment to nurturing talent through industry-leading training and a fully funded Level 2 qualification, employees can expect meaningful career progression in one of the most iconic locations in the South West. Enjoy a fantastic benefits package, including discounts on food and drink, free meals on shift, and opportunities to volunteer, all while being part of a supportive team dedicated to culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, check out The Royal Castle and its vibe. Familiarise yourself with their menu and any special events they host. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive into the culinary world.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Whether it’s whipping up a classic dish or experimenting with new flavours, show off your passion for food. Bring some of your creations to the interview if you can – it’s a tasty way to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Chat with current chefs or apprentices at St Austell Brewery. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine during your application process. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections in the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship and what we’re looking for in a candidate. Let’s get your culinary journey started!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef
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 excited about starting your culinary journey with us.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of an Apprentice Chef. Highlight skills that are relevant to the job description, like teamwork and adaptability. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're serious about joining our team.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for genuine individuals who are eager to learn. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your unique story and what makes you a great fit for our kitchen culture at St Austell Brewery.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures that we receive all the necessary information to consider you for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Castle, Dartmouth
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share any personal experiences or dishes you enjoy making, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to becoming a chef.
✨Research St Austell Brewery
Familiarise yourself with St Austell Brewery’s history, values, and the venues they operate. Knowing about their commitment to quality and local ingredients can help you align your answers with their ethos, showing that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the apprenticeship programme, kitchen culture, or opportunities for progression. This shows that you’re proactive and eager to learn more about your potential future role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen setting.
