Member Article

Wynyard Park recruits are blooming marvellous

Wynyard Park has welcomed its latest young green fingered recruits.

In partnership with East Durham College, the luxury housing development in the Tees Valley has taken on the apprentices to support the grounds and maintenance team, looking after the landscaping and gardens of the Park and ensuring the site is continually kept to a high standard for residents to enjoy.

Craig Pinder, Development Manager at Wynyard Park, said: “These are the first apprentices Wynyard Park has taken on, and so far I’ve been really impressed with their progress. The warm weather has been very challenging from a landscaping perspective, but the apprentices have shown no signs of shying away, which is exactly what is needed working on a luxury development like Wynyard Park.

“There are very few housing developments of this scale in the region, and for apprentices who have a genuine interest in horticulture, working on Wynyard Park will provide them with plenty of exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

“Wynyard Park executive housing is set to grow quite substantially over the next five to ten years and it is important to us that we give opportunities to the young people in our region to join the team and be a part of this vision.

“Building strong relationships with local education providers, such as East Durham College, is a huge part of this and we are looking forward to working with the College and other educational facilities in the future.”

Hayley Clifton, Business Development Advisor at East Durham College, said: “We are thrilled to support young people across our region with finding work with businesses such as Wynyard Park. Our strong working relationship with Wynyard Park means we can offer quality apprenticeships for young people from our local area and support Wynyard Park by finding motivated, passionate apprentices.

“By fostering relationships with business like Wynyard Park, we can open up new and exciting opportunities for young people looking to take their first steps into their future career.”

Jack Wiffen, 16, and Jack Armstrong, 22, started with Wynyard Park in mid-June, settling into life at work before they start their college course in September. Both are studying for a RHS Level 2 in Practical Horticulture.

Jack Armstrong said: “We’re working as part of a team, which is responsible for the upkeep of the entire Park. Everyone’s really helpful and supportive and provides us with guidance and constructive feedback with each job we do.”

Jack Wiffen, who travels through from Spennymoor each day, said: “I love that the apprenticeship gives me the chance to cover all aspects of landscaping and maintenance. There’s a lot to be learnt and always something new to discover.

“When I was at school I spent quite a lot of time working on a friend’s farm. I enjoyed working outdoors and getting stuck in to a project, which is why I’m so pleased I have the opportunity to learn and develop a career with Wynyard Park.”

The Park is also considering taking on further apprentices in a range of areas including bricklaying and joinery.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Publicity Seekers .