Apprentices make a difference at Devon primary school

Apprentices from Barratt Homes have put their new skills into practice by building a playground fence at Willowbank Primary School in Cullompton.

The team of three apprentices built a bespoke picket fence, gate and railings securing the playground for staff, parents and pupils.

The idea was the brainchild of Barratt Homes trainee assistant site manager, Kathryn Simpson, who was keen to find a way of putting the housebuilder’s pledge to support the communities in which it works into practice.

Kathryn said: “This really shows what apprentices can do. It’s a fantastic experience for them to be able to use and apply what they have learnt from their training while helping their local community. The apprentices are thrilled they could make a difference,

“My thanks go to everyone involved for all their time and effort, especially Dave Few Landscaping for supplying all of the materials.” she added.

Bricklayer Adam Rowe, 17, and apprentice carpenters Joe Harris, 19, and Toby Wilkins, 18, said they were pleased to be able to apply everything they had learnt so far.

Adam said: “It’s great to help the local community with the skills I’ve learnt, I’m so proud of this project. I’ve gone from the classroom to being able to work in the real world thanks to Barratt Homes.”

Annabelle Grose, head teacher at Willowbank Primary, said: “We are delighted that there is a real opportunity for children to learn in the outdoor environment thanks to the new fence. We look forward to them being outdoors, especially with spring being around the corner.”

Keen to go the extra mile, the Barratt Homes apprentices also completed several other odd jobs at Willowbank Primary.

A large decomposing tree trunk was safely removed, with a forklift coming down specially from the nearby Cullompton development, Saxon Fields.

Two custom-built planters filled with flowers and some new hinges for a door replacement were also donated to the school.