Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) has more than doubled the capacity of its chef apprenticeship scheme, adding 36 new places through partnerships with two additional colleges. The leading family brewer is now working with Bournemouth and Poole College and Exeter College to offer new apprenticeships in hospitality and catering, building on the success of its existing programme with Chichester College.
The first intake of 12 Level 3 (Senior) Production Chef Apprenticeships will begin at Bournemouth and Poole College on 25th February 2025, followed by a second cohort of 12 in the autumn. Exeter College will launch its own 12-place apprenticeship course in September 2025.
Apprentices receive professional training and hands-on experience throughout the 12-month course, which is specifically designed to complement their roles as Head or Sous Chefs at Hall & Woodhouse. The programme focuses on crafting dishes from H&W’s handcrafted menu, using carefully selected ingredients and maintaining the company’s high culinary standards.
Dean Livesey, Director of HR at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are thrilled to extend our apprenticeship programme to even more chefs across the south. By working closely with respected forward-thinking colleges, we are delivering the required skills to boost employability, develop our future leaders, and shape the future of the hospitality sector.
“Providing our chefs with access to the apprenticeship course enables great people to earn at least the Real Living Wage and develop their skills. Our apprentices are equipped with all the tools they need to grow confidently in their roles and fast-track their progression. Of the 26 apprentices that undertook the Chichester course in 2024, nine have already received promotions.”
The innovative programme was first developed by H&W in collaboration with Chichester College and launched in February 2024. This year, Chichester College will also provide an additional 12 Level 3 (Senior) Production Chef Apprenticeship places.
Abi Dalton, 29, from The Plough in Southampton, has been Head Chef for almost a year. She initially joined The Plough as a Sous Chef and was quickly promoted, thanks in part to the apprenticeship scheme, which built on her previous hospitality experience. Now leading a team of five, Abi is responsible for managing a busy kitchen.
Commenting on her role, Abi said: “I love being part of the team at The Plough. The support I receive from my General Manager and wider team back at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery is second to none. I am proud to be running the kitchen and to have helped play a role in the pub achieving a record-breaking level of sales last year.
“My skills and experience far outweigh what I would have learnt by only being in a classroom. H&W is committed to my learnings beyond my apprenticeship—if I ask for support, I receive it. I have already undertaken in-depth training on Food Hygiene Standards from our in-house trainer, with further support planned for my team.”
Hall & Woodhouse continues to invest heavily in the development of its people. The company was recognised in 2024 as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work (Big Companies category). In addition to its chef apprenticeship programme, H&W runs brewing and engineering apprenticeships, management and leadership development courses with Institute of Management and Leadership qualifications, and sponsors future leaders through degrees and MBA programmes.
For more information on H&W’s apprenticeship programmes, visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk.
