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 while you learn with competitive pay, discounts, 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 20000 - 25000 € 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: Royal Castle, Dartmouth
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in 175 years of heritage. As an Apprentice Chef at The Royal Castle, you'll receive hands-on training from experienced chefs, gain a fully funded Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery, and enjoy clear career progression opportunities within the hospitality industry. With competitive pay, generous discounts, and a commitment to employee development, this role provides a meaningful pathway to a rewarding culinary career in one of the South West's most sought-after locations.
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 us your passion for food. Bring a few examples of your culinary creations to discuss during your interview – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs or culinary students on social media. Join local food groups or forums to share tips and experiences. You never know who might have insider info about opportunities at St Austell Brewery!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can keep an eye on any new openings that pop up. Don’t miss out on your chance to kickstart your culinary career 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 at home or in a previous job. 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 love hearing about your goals!
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 Royal Castle, Dartmouth
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what it means to be a chef.
✨Show Off Your Skills
If you have any prior cooking experience, whether it's at home or in a professional setting, be sure to highlight it. Bring along a portfolio of your culinary creations or even photos of dishes you've made. This gives a tangible sense of your skills and creativity.
✨Understand Kitchen Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with how a professional kitchen operates. Research common kitchen roles and the importance of teamwork. During the interview, express your eagerness to learn from experienced chefs and how you can contribute to a busy kitchen environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the apprenticeship and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for progression, and what a typical day looks like. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company.
