Graduate (BBPA Academy)

Spotted & Shared by Gradsouthwest; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK brewery is offering a graduate scheme to develop future talent in the hospitality and brewing industry. This opportunity lasts two years and includes hands-on experience across various functions, training courses, industry events, and mentorship. Graduates will gain valuable skills and have the chance for permanent roles post-program. Ideal for final-year undergraduates or recent graduates, the scheme fosters curiosity, motivation, and adaptability in a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

30% discount on food & drink

Discounted membership with local businesses

Cycle to work scheme

Company bonus scheme

Health cash plan

Qualifications

• No specific degree discipline or final grade is required.
• Experience in people-facing roles is beneficial but not essential.
• Interest in building a career in the pubs and brewing industry.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical, on-the-job experience in operational and commercial environments.
• Participate in structured training courses and masterclasses.
• Conduct a final company project with senior-level exposure.

Skills

Curiosity

Motivation

Adaptability

Experience in hospitality or retail

Education

Final-year undergraduates

Graduates from the last two years

Job description

Founded in Cornwall in 1851, St Austell Brewery is one of the UK’s most respected independent family breweries and pub companies. With over 170 pubs across the South West, award-winning beers and a strong commitment to sustainability and our communities, we’re proud of our heritage and our people.

St Austell Brewery is one of the companies participating in the BBPA Academy Pubs & Brewing Industry Graduate Scheme. This offers graduates the opportunity to build a broad understanding of the industry and gain hands on experience, while being supported in a friendly, down-to-earth and values-led organisation.

Graduates joining us will work with teams across our pub estate, production sites and support functions. The scheme will provide valuable insight into how a successful brewing and hospitality business operates, from providing great experiences to commercial decision-making and leadership development.

Who You’ll Work With

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s pubs and brewers. The BBPA Academy’s two-year scheme consists of four separate six month development modules. You’ll be based with St Austell Brewery for six-months of the scheme. Other participating companies include:

Molson Coors Brewing Company UK, Greene King, Star Pubs, Admiral Taverns, McMullen, Everards, Hall & Woodhouse, Adnams, Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, Robinsons Brewery & Pubs and Daniel Thwaites.

What You’ll Gain at St Austell Brewery

During your time with us, you’ll:

• Work alongside experienced leaders who are invested in developing future talent
• Gain practical, on-the-job experience in both operational and commercial environments
• Be trusted with real responsibility from an early stage
• Experience the culture of a proudly independent, people-focused business
• Build skills that prepare you for a long-term career in hospitality or brewing

On successful completion of the scheme, graduates will be considered for permanent roles within St Austell Brewery, aligned to business needs and individual strengths.

You’ll take part in:

• Structured training courses and masterclasses
• Industry events, conferences and networking
• Formal reviews and ongoing feedback
• A final company project with senior-level exposure
• Time working with the BBPA in London

Development & Progression

Your development is at the heart of the scheme. Each module includes clear objectives, line manager support and formal feedback.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be offered a permanent role with their host company, with opportunities to specialise in areas aligned to your strengths and interests.

The scheme concludes with a formal BBPA Academy graduation ceremony in Autumn 2028.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from:

• Final-year undergraduates
• Graduates from the last two years
• Degree apprentices

No specific degree discipline or final grade is required.

Experience in hospitality, retail or other people-facing roles is beneficial but not essential. What matters most is curiosity, motivation, adaptability and an interest in building a career in the pubs and brewing industry.

Reward & Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Company pension scheme
• 30% discount on food & drink and 50% discount on accommodation
• Discounted membership with local businesses
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company bonus scheme
• Health cash plan

You’ll also benefit from a strong peer network, with opportunities to connect with fellow graduates both professionally and socially throughout the programme.

How to Apply

Applications should be made via the link in this advert.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre in February or March.

Closing date:Sunday 11 January

Additional info:

St Austell Brewery is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome requests for flexible working.

Early applications are encouraged as we’ll review applications throughout the recruitment process and reserve the right to close the advert at any time. Please note that we politely request no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. Speculative CVs from recruitment agencies won’t be accepted, nor the fees associated with them.