Celebrating Our Apprentices – Learning, Growing, and Inspiring Every Day 

At Downe House, we are proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals through a range of apprenticeships across the School. These opportunities allow individuals to combine hands-on experience with formal study, developing both technical expertise and confidence within a supportive community. 

This month, as part of our series celebrating our incredible staff, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on four members of our team who are about to start or are already making fantastic progress in their apprenticeships. 

Henry Waldron – Catering 

Apprenticeship: Commis Chef – Level 2 (starting January 2026) 

Henry joined the Downe House catering team with a clear sense of purpose and enthusiasm for what lay ahead. 

When I first saw the job, I thought, where could this take me? The more I looked into it, the more I realised this could take me almost anywhere within the catering industry. It’s the first stepping stone in a new career.

Supported by the School both financially and administratively, Henry is already gaining valuable experience in the kitchen as he prepares to begin his formal training with Capital City College’s Westminster campus, a renowned centre for hospitality and culinary arts. 

A typical day for Henry begins early in the kitchen, preparing deli salads and other dishes for lunch, before sitting down with his colleagues to enjoy the food he’s created. 

I’ve recently completed my Level 3 Food Safety qualification and I’m learning every day, not just cooking skills, but teamwork, timekeeping and professionalism.

Kaelan Doyle – Catering 

Apprenticeship: Commis Chef – Level 2 (starting December 2025) 

Kaelan’s passion for food began long before he stepped into a professional kitchen. With a background in horticulture and estate maintenance, he developed a deep appreciation for fresh, seasonal produce. 

I’ve always enjoyed seeing how quality ingredients can be transformed into something that brings people together. My experience growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs naturally evolved into a passion for cooking.

Kaelan was drawn to Downe House by the opportunity to learn in a supportive, community-based environment while contributing to a professional catering operation. His apprenticeship, also with Capital City College’s Westminster campus, offers 16 months of immersive learning, 12 months of practical study and up to 4 months of end-point assessment. 

“Downe House has been incredible in their support, from funding and guidance to the chefs in the kitchen who make sure I’m constantly learning. Every day brings something new, whether I’m helping with breakfast prep, making sauces, or perfecting pastry work.” 

Kaelan has also completed his Level 3 Food Safety qualification and is excited to keep developing his skills as he progresses through his training. 

Billy Dunster-Charnock – Estates 

Apprenticeship: Level 3 Plumbing and Heating (Newbury College) 

Now in the second year of his apprenticeship, Billy has become an integral part of the Estates team. His hands-on work across the Downe House site is helping him build the practical and technical skills needed for a career in plumbing and heating engineering. 

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 began his Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship with Newbury College in 2022, combining classroom learning with real-world experience. He is on track to complete his qualification in July 2024 and continues to play a key role in maintaining and improving the School’s facilities. 

Henry Walter – IT Solutions Technician 

Apprenticeship: IT Solutions Technician (Basingstoke ITEC) 

Henry has been passionate about IT since childhood and loves getting hands-on with technology. He chose Downe House as the perfect environment to support staff and students directly while developing practical skills. 

A school environment is great for getting hands-on with computers and helping people in person rather than primarily over the phone or online. I hope to proceed into a degree-level apprenticeship after completing this one.

Downe House has provided Henry with the tools, guidance, and options needed to succeed in his apprenticeship and plan his next steps. 

The School has given me the support to complete my apprenticeship and explore other educational opportunities for the future.

 

Supporting Growth and Opportunity at Downe House 

From kitchens to estates to IT, our apprentices bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn that inspires everyone around them. Downe House is proud to support their professional journeys and looks forward to seeing them continue to thrive in their chosen fields.