APPRENTICES VOLUNTEER TO IMPROVE GARDENS

Apprentices working for Broadacres have come together to further improve surroundings for people living in an extra care scheme in Northallerton.

The eight, who all started on different apprenticeships with Broadacres in 2023, decided as a group that they wanted to some voluntary work and put together a project to revamp the garden area at the Rivendale extra care scheme in Bankhead Road.

Working with staff from Broadacres, who also gave up their time, the group spent a full day carrying out various tasks, including wedding, cutting back shrubs and bushes, and planting flowers in raised beds.

They were supported by one of Broadacres’ suppliers, Jewson Partnership Solutions, who donated compost and tools as part of social value initiative.

One of the Apprentices, Kayleigh Jones, who is undertaking an apprenticeship in joinery said: “Even though we are all doing different apprenticeships within Broadacres, we still come together regularly for group sessions.

“At one of these sessions we discussed how it would be nice to repay Broadacres’ support in us by carrying out some voluntary work and we thought helping to revamp the garden area at Rivendale would be nice first project for us to undertake.

“We were kept very busy, but it was a very worthwhile day and it’s nice to know we have left the residents with some outdoor spaces they can now really make the most of.”

Fiona Webb, Broadacres’ HR Business Partner, said: “Throughout their time with us the Apprentices learn so much more than just the actual job they are doing.

“At our sessions with them, they get advice on areas such as organisational skills, project management and continuous professional development.

“This is so at the end of their apprenticeships, whether they remain permanently with Broadacres or go onto other jobs, we have given them skills which will add real value in their careers.

“This project is a great example. We gave them some support, but they largely put everything together themselves and we are delighted with what they have achieved. They are a real credit to Broadacres.”

The project is linked to Broadacres’ mission which is ‘Great People Providing Great Homes and Great Customer Experiences’ in its communities.