The team of 10 graduates were approached by the school to help with general improvements for ‘a safe space that ensures each child has an area to develop their personal interests and enhance their learning experience’.
The works undertaken included rebuilding a sandpit, building a timber chicken coop, excavating and building a new pathway, refurbishing seating areas, fixing and painting fences and clearing unwanted debris to make space for a mud kitchen and additional seating areas.
In the weeks leading up to the community project, the colleagues, who are all on our graduate training programme, planned the work and sourced all materials on a zero budget, with help from donations by Redrow suppliers and contractors.
Redrow graduate trainee Zarah Durowoju said: “The community project was an incredible experience for all of us. After 13 weeks of preparation and four days of physical work, the project was a great success! The skills and knowledge we have developed over the last 19 months in the graduate programme, along with the great relationships built within our group, came in very useful. On the final day, the children sang for us at a special assembly. This was a highlight for all of us and made the experience even more rewarding.”
Mr Hamilton, head teacher at Ysgol Ysgol Sychdyn said: “The week of help from Redrow was simply brilliant. As a school, we simply would not have had the finance, materials or time to do all the work that the Redrow volunteers did for us. Children only have one opportunity at school, and they deserve the best; not only the best teaching and learning experiences and wellbeing and nurturing support, but also a learning environment that excites and engages them, and that is what Redrow have helped us work towards. It was great to have Redrow with us for a week and we would welcome them back again in the future without reservation. Diolch to all involved, you all helped make a difference to the children and staff of Ysgol Sychdyn.”
Holly Jones, employee engagement advisor at Redrow, added: “The graduates have worked very hard on this project and have each created a portfolio of all work undertaken. They’ve utilised skills in problem-solving, procurement and negotiation, all of which are key elements to their graduate training programme. Thank you to Mr Hamilton and everyone at Ysgol Sychdyn.”
Our graduates have thanked the following companies for their generous contributions to the project:
- Lex Autoloease for providing a van to transport equipment and tools whilst carrying out the project.
- Landstruction for supplying a wide range of tools and equipment including 1.9 tonnes of sand, 11.5 tonnes of bark mulch, ply sheets, timber posts, and shovels.
- Smalley Decorators for supplying 20 litres of fence paint.
They were also assisted by our customer service technicians Darran Cunliffe and Keith Danson, who provided practical help and support throughout the project and site manager Cait Grady, based at Kings Moat Garden Village, Chester, for providing a range of equipment including adhesive, timber, benches and planters.
Our graduate community programme is well-established and, each year, a different project is chosen.
The company offers graduate training programmes, as well as its own sponsored degree programme for undergraduates, apprenticeships and other vocational training.
Find out more about our graduate training opportunities.
