Apprenticeship Schemes
2007 Apprentices: Volunteering Challenge
On the 7 October 2008, teachers, governors and pupils gathered at Willowbrook School for the grand unveiling of a brand new large wall mosaic, kindly made as part of a volunteering challenge by a group of apprentices from Devon County Council.
The team of apprentices spent a couple of days together, away from their offices, to work on making a mosaic of the school logo. Hundreds of tiles and glass were needed to make the mosaic, which were kindly donated by Candies at Heathfield and Exeter Glass. A specially made 2x2m base was also made and delivered from SWH and adhesive, grout and technical support were supplied by Original Style. The mosaic was made at Great Moor House and once it was completed, Exeter Glass transported it to Willowbrook School for the grand unveiling.
This was part of a volunteering challenge organised in association with Cares. Cares is Business in the Community’s national campaign to engage employees in their communities through volunteering.
Katie Edmondson, Partnership Broker at Cares said “Company volunteering plays a vital role in helping people be part of their community and make it a better place to live and work. Devon County Council has always been keen to get involved with challenges and give something back to their local community. This is why companies all across the country are getting involved in community projects that benefit their business as well as meet a local community need.”
Devon County Council actively encourages volunteering challenges as it gives great opportunities for personal development and to gain skills that could not be gained at work. Tracey Holding, the Workforce Development Advisor for the Devon County Council’s Apprenticeship scheme reported: "As part of the Devon County Council Apprenticeship Programme we have been able to provide Willowbrook School with a new mosaic. The group have worked extremely hard to organise all parts of the challenge and have put in a lot of hard work to complete the mosaic to such a high standard. They have done an excellent job and we are proud of their success. This is the second year a group from the Apprenticeship Programme has undertaken a volunteering challenge. It is great that Devon County Council can utilise the apprentices to complete these projects for the local community and we hope to continue this success with future Apprenticeship groups."
The mosaic was transported by Exeter Glass and delivered to Willowbrook School on the 7 October 2008. Molly Marlow, deputy headteacher of Willowbrook School said, “I think that it is stunning. The way that the different textures and shapes of the tiles make up the whole picture and I know that visitors to the school will be so impressed as they come down the driveway. I am sure that it will inspire lots of artwork in the school in the future.”
A few of the children also commented on the mosaic. Chay, from year 2 said, “It matches the school and our jumpers. I love the mirrors where you can see your reflection”. Jessica, also from year 2 said, “I like how they used all the different shapes for the tree and made patterns.”
Molly Marlow concluded, “Everyone is so impressed with the mosaic - it is really beautiful.”
The apprentices would like to say a big thank you to, SWH, Candies, Exeter Glass, Original Style and all the staff at Great Moor House for all the help and support given to them and for the donation of materials.
