Partnership working gives green light to employment skills

Lafarge Tarmac join forces with Groundwork to run the Green Team at Panshanger Park

LAFARGE Tarmac are celebrating the achievements of a group of young locals from east Hertfordshire who have put their new construction, health and safety, and teamwork skills to use to create an outdoor learning space at Panshanger Park.

Over the last 16 weeks the company has been working in partnership with the charity group Groundwork to run the Green Team. Based at Panshanger Park, the Green Team is an employment training scheme which mixes real-life work skills with qualifications.

The eight volunteers have used natural materials to build two impressive shelters and fencing for the Forest School based at the Park. After a morning of hard work in the classroom, visiting schoolchildren will also be able to warm themselves around a campfire, thanks to a newly built fire pit.

In addition to the practical skills gained, four of the volunteers have been awarded the City & Guilds qualifications in Land-Based Studies and Employability Skills. They will also sit the test for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – crucial for work in the construction industry.

Lafarge Tarmac added to the team’s experience by taking them on an exclusive tour of Tyttenhanger Quarry, and forming part of a mock interview panel to put the team members through their paces.

Alan Everard, Lafarge Tarmac’s head of estates - south region, said: ‘We are delighted that our support for the Green Team means three young people from the local area are already in full-time employment.

‘The practical, real-life experiences the Green Team members gained while working on the Forest School in Panshanger Park combined with their new qualifications means they now have a set of skills of real value to employers. We wish all members of the Green Team well in their future careers.’