Derby College Apprentices Revamp Charity Camp Site During National Apprenticeship Week
Derby College Group is proudly celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing a significant new collaboration with Over The Wall Camp, a UK children's charity that assists young people facing serious health challenges. This week, forty Derby College apprentices are actively working at the charity's new headquarters, located at the former Ockbrook School, where they are preparing the site to be fully operational for its summer opening.
Supporting a Life-Changing Cause Through Hands-On Work
Over The Wall Camp offers free residential camps for children and young people with serious illnesses, providing fun, friendship, and confidence-building experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The refurbishment efforts by Derby College apprentices are crucial, as they will directly enhance the charity's capacity to welcome volunteers and, ultimately, the children who attend the camps. Apprentices, who are employed by various regional businesses, are currently renovating a former boarding house, transforming it into warm and inviting accommodation for camp volunteers.
This practical project not only supports a transformative cause but also offers apprentices invaluable real-world experience in a live working environment. Employers involved in this initiative include Bell Group, Hicks Professional P&D, Décor 8 Midlands Limited, Partridge and Street Property Services Limited, JJ Decorators Limited, AJ Group Derby Ltd, Modern Gloss Decorators, and Premiere Property Services Ltd. Additionally, Futures Housing Group apprentices have been on-site this week, helping to initiate the transformation.
Highlighting the Value of Apprenticeships and Community Impact
Projects like this underscore the importance of apprenticeships. By integrating classroom learning with practical experience, apprentices develop technical skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and pride in their craft, all while making a tangible difference in the community. Working on a project with such a strong social purpose also helps young people understand the broader impact of their work beyond their immediate job responsibilities.
Fiona Skinner, Employer Partnership Manager at Derby College Group, who coordinated the partnership, stated: "We are incredibly proud to see our apprentices applying their skills to a project that will have such a positive and lasting impact. Partnerships like this are what apprenticeships are all about, bringing together education, employers and community organisations to create meaningful opportunities."
She added: "Our apprentices are gaining valuable experience on a live site, while directly contributing to a space that will support children facing serious health challenges. It's a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together."
Building a Community Asset Through Collaboration
Allan Jolly, Director of Business Development, commented: "We're delighted to be working with Derby College Group and to welcome their apprentices to our new headquarters here in Ockbrook. Their professionalism and enthusiasm are helping us create a warm, welcoming space for the volunteers who make our camps possible."
He continued: "Our vision for the site goes beyond delivering residential camps. We want this to be a real community asset, a place where local organisations, volunteers and residents can come together, get involved and benefit from the facilities and opportunities the site will offer. Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in creating something that will positively impact both the children we serve and the wider community for years to come. We are so grateful for the commitment and community spirit shown by everyone involved."
As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the power of vocational learning, Derby College Group remains dedicated to fostering strong employer partnerships that enable apprentices to grow, contribute, and thrive both professionally and personally.
