PPL : Western Power Distribution apprentices participate in week-long volunteer challenge

More than thirty tons of mulch, 129 square feet of decking, 3 tons of lumber and gallons of paint fence were just a few of the items required for the 2017 Apprentice Volunteer Challenge at Western Power Distribution (WPD).

Thirty two apprentices and six trainers from WPD spent the week sprucing up the outdoor space at two residential centres belonging to Action for Children Wales, an organization that helps vulnerable children, young people and families in Wales fulfill their highest potential.

At Ty Storrie in Cardiff, 12 apprentices cleared overgrown areas to improve access and make the outdoor space more user-friendly. Fences were painted bright colors and new play tables were built along with wheelchair accessible raised planters for easy gardening.

Darren Berry, a trainer from WPD co-ordinated the work at both locations, explained, 'Each year we try to support a project which has a wider benefit to the local community. All these apprentices are in their first year of an electrical apprenticeship and very few would have any experience of building at any level, so to see what they have achieved in the past few days is amazing.'

In Swansea, the project at Ty Laura was an opportunity to make a big impact as the outdoor space was vast but under used, due largely to access issues. There 20 apprentices created grand pathways that would take the children around the garden to the existing and new structures created.

In just four days, apprentices built a new wooden swing from scratch to replace the existing swing and a huge timber den with access for less able bodied children in an unused area of the garden.

Overgrown trees and shrubs were cut back and recycled into chippings scattered around the planting areas as fences and walls were painted to brighten up the whole space.

'The feedback from staff on each site has been very positive and the work involved will create a stimulating and fun environment for all the children and young people who use these services,' said Berry.

'WPD's annual apprentice challenge has been in operation since 2002. Everyone who took part deserves a huge pat on the back for their commitment.'