As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to highlight the apprentices who are currently developing their careers with us at Downe House. Apprenticeships offer valuable opportunities to young people, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while working towards professional qualifications. We are thrilled to support these individuals as they take their first steps into their chosen industries.
Each year, we welcome apprentices into various roles within our Operations teams, where their enthusiasm and dedication help maintain the high standards that Downe House is known for. This week, we are showcasing some of our apprentices and their achievements so far.
Our Current Apprentices
At the moment, we have four apprentices working across different areas:
- Phil Weston – Head Chef – Level 4 Catering Management Apprenticeship
- Scott Flack – Commis Chef – Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship
- Billy Dunster-Charnock – Estates Plumber – Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship
- Aston Howse – Commis Chef – Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships are run in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, The Worshipful Company of Cooks, and Newbury College. Each of these institutions provides excellent training, and our apprentices apply what they’ve learned in their roles here at Downe House.
Phil Weston: Head Chef – Level 4 Catering Management Apprenticeship
Phil started his Level 4 Catering Management Apprenticeship in September 2023, balancing his role as Sous Chef with his studies. The apprenticeship, delivered by Westminster Kingsway College, focuses on management training in the hospitality industry, an area that is often overlooked in chefs’ professional development.
Phil’s apprenticeship has given him a deeper understanding of the industry and provided valuable networking opportunities with other professionals. He shared:
I’ve learned a lot about the complexities of the catering world, and I’m grateful to Downe House for supporting me in this. I aspire to become an Executive Chef, and I truly believe apprenticeships are a great way to progress in this field.
Scott Flack: Commis Chef – Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship
Scott joined Downe House as a Commis Chef after completing a couple of months of work experience in the kitchen. He then started his Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College. During his apprenticeship, Scott achieved a gold medal at the Salon Culinaire and received an overall distinction upon completing the course in November 2024.
Scott described the experience as “incredible”, saying:
It has taught me skills that I will use for the rest of my career, and I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some amazing chefs. Earning a wage while doing something I love has been brilliant, and I’d highly recommend an apprenticeship.
Billy Dunster-Charnock: Estates Plumber – Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship
Billy began his Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship with Newbury College in 2022. Since joining Downe House, he has been working full-time with the estates team, gaining practical experience while continuing his studies. Billy has found his apprenticeship to be a great opportunity to apply what he has learned in a real-world setting, saying:
Working with the estates team has been invaluable. It’s not just about learning the technical skills – it’s also helped me grow personally and professionally.”
Billy will complete his Level 3 certification in July 2024, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop in his role.
Aston Howse: Commis Chef – Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship
Aston, 17, started his apprenticeship in October 2024. Although he is still early in his journey, Aston is already excited about the future. The apprenticeship has given him the chance to learn practical culinary skills while studying at Westminster Kingsway College. Aston is also preparing to compete in the Salon Culinaire at the London ExCel next month.
I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far. It’s been great to learn in a professional kitchen and put what I’ve learned at college into practice. The opportunity to learn, earn, and develop is fantastic.”
Looking Ahead
Apprenticeships are an excellent way for young people to gain valuable skills while starting their careers. At Downe House, we are proud to support our apprentices as they grow both personally and professionally. The experiences and qualifications they gain will help shape their futures and contribute to their long-term success. We look forward to seeing the bright futures ahead for Phil, Scott, Billy, and Aston.
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