Bristol playtime is restored thanks to 300+ strong Landmark volunteer group

340 employees from across Landmark recently joined forces with Splash Projects and Learning Partnership West (LPW) to breathe new life into adventure playgrounds in two of Bristol’s most deprived neighbourhoods.  St Pauls and Southmead Adventure Playgrounds are situated in some of the city’s most densely urbanised areas, and much of the playground equipment was old, worn-out and in desperate need of replacement.

To get the job done, our 300+ strong team of Landmarkers took to work over two cold wet days in November on repairing the grounds, as well as restoring and installing new play equipment, creating fun and safe environments for children and families to play.

Julia Lovell, Landmark’s HR Director, shared her experiences from the day:

“When the coach arrived at the playground site in St Pauls we were greeted by the teams from Splash and LPW who briefed us on what we needed to achieve over two days.

“We were put into teams to focus on each section and joined forces to dig, paint, build and refurbish the existing facilities.  My team of twelve were responsible for installing a new clatter bridge, platform and a slide.  Although it was hard work there was a fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie, and while it might have been a bit slippery and muddy underfoot, it was great to see that the weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.” 

Landmark’s Commercial Director Greg Bryce, was at the Southmead site, and his team was challenged to renovate the outdoor classrooms and create a new picnic area:

“The whole team was energised by the lively atmosphere, spurred on by working on a real life social project. It’s been incredibly rewarding to know that every single one of us played a vital role in providing a safe environment  for children to get outdoors, keep fit, develop their social skills and let their imaginations run wild. We’re proud that the two adventure parks will continue to provide a source of creative development to local families well into the future.”

The handover was completed on the evening of Thursday, 27^th November with Landmark’s CEO Mark Milner, along with Ashley Ward Councillors Rob Telford & Gus Hoyt, Nicola Burcham (CEO LPW), and Colin Robertson (Project Director, Splash Projects).

Mark Milner, CEO of Landmark commented: “We wanted to help LPW completely renovate and provide new activities at the St Pauls and Southmead sites. Our staff travelled from across the country to make this happen; from London, Brighton, Reading, Godalming, Exeter, the North East and North West. They were all given time off from their day jobs to put on their overalls and get stuck in, from painting and cleaning through to general repairs. It really was a fantastic effort from all involved.”

Landmark Information Group hires eight young apprentices

Landmark Information Group has appointed eight apprentices to join its 430-strong workforce. Following an extensive interview and selection process, the apprentices will all be undertaking a 12-month Landmark apprenticeship programme designed to equip them with the skills necessary to progress in the industry.

Five of the appointments were made in partnership with the apprenticeships provider QA Apprenticeships, and are designed to combine employment with government funded training. Two were made through Exeter College and one was made through the provider BPP.

Apprenticeships form a vital part of the Government's plans for economic growth and education reform to provide greater opportunities to young people. For each apprentice, the scheme therefore provides a structured framework to learn skills that will launch them into the world of work. 

Jay Cardona-Martin and Farouq Sulaiman are undertaking a QA Apprenticeship in Professional Sales, Sarosh Khalid is undertaking a QA Apprenticeship in Business while Jack Shepherd and Daniel Butler are taking a QA Apprenticeship in IT Systems & Networking. Emily Stephens will be working in the Accounting team and Elliot Crawford and Todd Allen will be also working in IT. All of the apprentices will receive on the job training as well as dedicated training courses provided by QA Apprenticeships, BPP and Exeter College. There will be regular assessments and feedback sessions, allowing the apprentices to develop within the industry. The eight apprentices will be paid a full time salary and will be given the same extensive opportunities as any other member of the Landmark Information Group team.

 
Jack, Daniel, Elliot and Todd will receive a Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles. Emily will receive her AAT level 2 qualification. Jay and Farouq will receive a Diploma in Sales and Sarosh will receive a Diploma in Business Administration.

Greg Bryce, Commercial Director at Landmark Information Group, said: “The interest we had in these positions, coupled with the high calibre of the candidates, demonstrates the extent to which apprentice schemes are an increasingly important way for young people to get their careers off to a flying start. We’re delighted to have Jack, Daniel, Jay, Farouq, Emily, Elliot, Todd and Sarosh on board and part of the team. All eight were highly impressive throughout the selection process and above all demonstrated a hardworking and proactive attitude. We look forward to helping them grow their careers at Landmark.”

Dee Fox, Recruitment & Employment Manager at QA Apprenticeships, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Landmark Information Group and their QA Apprentices onto our award-winning programme. Apprenticeships have a key role in the Government’s renewed focus on employability and employer needs in mainstream education. It is great to see an employer like Landmark making such a positive move for their future by taking control of their staff development and training.”