JCB apprentices spent a day painting, decorating and gardening to help brighten up the lives of children at a North Staffordshire NSPCC Centre.
The nine-strong team decorated the art room at the NSPCC's Staffordshire Service Centre, Carole House, Newcastle-under-Lyme which helps children at risk of harm or abuse. They also renovated picnic benches and planted shrubs and flowers in the garden. The facility - officially opened by HRH the Countess of Wessex in 2014 - is named after Lady Bamford in honour of her and JCB’s support of the NSPCC over more than 30 years.
The makeover was part of a community project they must undertake as part of the national Brathay Apprenticeship Challenge. The aim of the contest - made up of teams from companies across the UK - is to raise awareness about apprenticeships among employers and young people.
Team member and JCB Loadall Business Apprentice Louise Meredith, 19, of Meir Park, Stoke-on-Trent, said: “As part of the challenge we had to organise and carry out a community project and given the links between JCB and the NSPCC this seemed the perfect choice. We renovated several benches, carried out other restoration and gardening work. Inside, we painted the art room with vibrant colours. We are also looking to come back at a later stage and add picture frames featuring artwork designed by some of the children whose lives have been changed by Carole House.”
JCB employees have a long association with the NSPCC and have raised millions of pounds for the charity over the last three decades. In 2014, JCB presented the charity with £2 million – half of which was raised by employees and the remainder donated by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford. Part of the proceeds were used to purchase Carole House which provides a range of services for children at risk of harm or abuse.
All teams taking part will be judged on their awareness-raising activities and their community project. Later this year eight teams will be shortlisted with their names being announced in the House of Commons. They will then take part in a team building finale to be held in the Lake District, with the overall winner being named the national apprentice team of the year 2017.