Celebrating Our Apprentices: Success at the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards & National Apprenticeship Week
T his National Apprenticeship Week, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our 52 apprentices, including two of our talented team members who recently took home awards at the prestigious Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
Alice Norris, from the Borough Arms in Bodmin, was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year, while Piers Smith, from Haveners in Fowey, won the public-vote award for Apprentice Achiever of the Year at the county-wide awards on 7th February.
Both Alice and Piers have shown incredible dedication, balancing their apprenticeships alongside their day-to-day roles. Alice has been part of our managed pub estate for three years, starting as Assistant Manager at The Central in Newquay before moving to The Borough Arms, where she was recently promoted to General Manager. Piers began his journey as a KP at Haveners in 2022 before progressing to Commis Chef, and he is now completing his Level 2 Professional Chef apprenticeship.
Recognising Excellence in Apprenticeships
Jon Kelley, our Early Careers Manager, couldn’t be prouder:
“Alice won Hospitality Apprentice of the Year for the amazing work she has put into her apprenticeship, all while relocating, earning a promotion from holding manager to manager, raising funds for charity, and improving productivity at The Borough Arms.
“Piers’ apprenticeship journey has transformed him into a self-assured team member and a much-loved part of the Haveners community. Watching his confidence grow has been fantastic. He’s a brilliant example of the transformative power of apprenticeships and fully deserves this recognition.”
Jon added: “Apprenticeships offer real-world experience and a direct route into careers—they’re not just an alternative to traditional education. If the nominees at this year’s awards represent Cornwall’s future, then that future is looking incredibly bright.”
Our Commitment to Apprenticeships
We’ve long been champions of apprenticeships and are committed to being an employer of choice in the South West. Right now, we have 52 apprentices studying at every level—from GCSE to Master’s—across 26 different subject areas. In 2024, 37 apprentices completed their courses, 26 of whom are part of our managed pub estate.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible apprentices through several events, including our very own annual apprenticeship awards.
St Austell Brewery’s Apprentice of the Year Winners
We’re thrilled to announce that Karl Memory, a chef at the Royal Castle in Dartmouth, and Jordan Woolley, a member of our engineering team, have been named Apprentice of the Year in recognition of their outstanding work.
Karl, currently completing his Level 3 Senior Chef course, was recognised for his can-do attitude and ability to remain positive, even in the toughest situations. His contributions go far beyond the kitchen—he’s stepped up to front-of-house roles, helped at other sites during staff shortages, and even led food safety and quality audits, achieving the highest Food Alert and Food Quality scores the pub has ever received.
Karl has also built a partnership with the local food bank, donating surplus food, and even volunteered to cook lunch on Christmas Day. Additionally, he has mentored two junior apprentices and, in an act of true bravery, saved a member of the public who had fallen into the river outside the pub last year, providing first aid until emergency services arrived. As an RNLI volunteer, Karl is a true hero, both in and out of the kitchen.
Jordan, who is completing his Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineering course, has made a significant impact on our brewery operations. His efforts in compiling risk analysis reports have helped prevent major breakdowns, keeping planned maintenance on track. He’s also represented us at industry events and dedicated time to volunteer within the community. His top marks in machining courses are a testament to his dedication and skill.
A Week of Celebration
Beyond these fantastic awards, our apprentices have been busy showcasing their skills and talent.
On Tuesday 11th February, our apprentices took over Spires Restaurant in Truro, curating a three-course menualongside Truro College’s hospitality team for 50 diners. The menu featured dishes submitted by our chef apprentices, highlighting the best of our managed food offering, which champions local suppliers and seasonal ingredients. Our brewing apprentices even paired each course with a St Austell Brewery beer, providing expert tasting notes.
The following day, on Wednesday 12th, over 700 pupils from local schools visited the brewery for our Careers Fair, where they had the chance to explore the diverse career opportunities available within St Austell Brewery.
Join Us
Apprenticeships play a vital role in shaping our future, and we’re incredibly proud of the talented individuals who are learning, growing, and thriving within our business. If you’re looking for an exciting career with hands-on experience, an apprenticeship with us could be your perfect next step.
Find out more about St Austell Brewery’s apprenticeship opportunities.