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 brand with a commitment to developing culinary talent.
- Benefits: Earn £9.50-£12.71 per hour, enjoy discounts, and receive a fully funded Level 2 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 Fort Inn, 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.
Apprentice Chef employer: St Austell Brewery Ltd
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and skill development in a fast-paced kitchen environment. With a commitment to employee growth, you will receive industry-recognised training and a fully funded Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery, alongside competitive pay and generous benefits such as discounts on food and drink, and clear career progression opportunities within the picturesque South West of England.
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 Fort Inn 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 chefs or culinary students on social media. They might have tips or even know of opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Plus, it’s always good to have a support system!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to spot your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the St Austell Brewery family.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for food 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: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 busy kitchen environment. 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 shows us that you’re keen to join our team at St Austell Brewery!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Austell Brewery Ltd
✨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 cooking experience, be ready to talk about it! Share specific examples of dishes you've prepared or techniques you've mastered. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and eagerness to learn more in a professional kitchen.
✨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 not just passionate but also practical.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how they support career progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
