St Austell Brewery has announced that it has 20 places available on its award-winning chef scholarship apprentice programme which starts this autumn.

Established in partnership with Truro and Penwith College, the 12-month scholarship course is designed to give students a truly hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in a busy pub or hotel kitchen, while incorporating the new national Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship standard.

The programme, which is open to applicants of any age and any level of education, could also lead to gaining a permanent role within St Austell Brewery’s Managed Estate.

Students on the course spend one day a week at Truro and Penwith College, or other partnered sites outside of Cornwall, while the rest of the week will be spent learning in real time under the mentorship of St Austell Brewery’s chefs across its 177 strong estate of West Country pubs, inns and hotels.

Richard Parkes, training and development manager, said: “This really is a great programme for anybody looking to get their foot in the door of the hospitality industry – particularly aspiring chefs and those who are passionate about food. We’re really proud of our longstanding relationship with Truro and Penwith College and look forward to welcoming this year’s pool of talented young apprentices on board.”

As well as special skills-based workshops at the Truro and Penwith College, the professionally designed course will offer students real-life experiences including supplier visits, team working and using fresh local produce to create great food in commercial kitchens.

The St Austell Brewery Training Team was acclaimed at a national level in 2017, picking up Best Apprenticeship Program and Best Training Program at the National NITA Training awards.

The new training programme is set to start in the autumn.

Anybody interested in signing up or finding out more about the programme should contact St Austell Brewery’s training team on 01726 627132 or visit www.staustellbrewerycareers.co.uk/chef-scholarship/ to view current vacancies and apply.