Scarborough CC Bowled Over By Tesco Apprentices

Scarborough CC Bowled Over By Tesco Apprentices

The Tesco apprentices made a big impression on Scarborough CC

Scarborough CC Bowled Over By Tesco Apprentices

The apprentices show off their completed work at the ground

Community conscious apprentices, from Tesco’s construction suppliers, along with senior executives from the Tesco Property Leadership Team, stepped up to the crease to take part in a company community day at Scarborough Cricket Club.

Over 200 construction suppliers and their apprentices, enrolled on Tesco’s Property Apprentice Trainee Scheme, came together with Tesco employees to lend support and help make the cricket ground more spectator friendly.

Scarborough Cricket Club is known at Yorkshire’s second ground and is well respected for its annual cricket Festival.  It is one of the largest non test match grounds in the UK, but with over 10,000 seats, it requires constant maintenance and upkeep that, if left untouched, could be potentially crippling for the club financially.

Apprentices training to be electricians, roofers, bricklayers and architects, among other disciplines, from companies including R G Carter, Chubb Fire, and Roofglaze helped to refurbish the cricket club facilities, paint the ticket office and stands, renovate club benches, clean the boundary pathway and weed and replant flower beds.

Michelle Collins from Tesco said: “It’s been a really motivating day for all the apprentices and staff involved, to give something back to the community. What’s been amazing is that everyone came up with their own suggestions or improvements and we’ve ended up transforming the entire club. It would not have been possible without the generosity of our supplier companies and their apprentices, and Tesco employees, who have donated their time and skills for free. We thank them for their efforts to make a lasting difference to the Club.”

Tony Gibson, Club Chairman of Scarborough Cricket Club was delighted with the transformations and said: “It’s just mind blowing. We’re very grateful to Tesco and the apprentices for their support and the fantastic work that they have undertaken. It’s so emotional, I don’t know how to describe it. I thought we would just make the place look a bit tidier, I never thought we’d achieve so much, but with all their help we’ve now got a lift in our pavilion providing access for everyone for the first time in the club’s history. We’re so excited I can’t wait for people to see what’s been done. The success of this project is paramount to the future of the club and the many local businesses that benefit from the supporters and players who want to come here. We really can’t thank them enough.”

Tesco launched the Property Apprentice Trainee Scheme to help 48 of its construction suppliers sponsor new employees and provide opportunities for young people to learn a trade, develop skills and provide leaders for the future.

As one of the UK’s largest property developers, Tesco relies on the skills of a wide selection of vocational workers from electricians to quantity surveyors. In 2010 it set up the Tesco Property Apprentice and Trainee Scheme, partnering with 48 suppliers to sponsor over 200 trainees and apprentices.

Tesco contributes 50% of the apprentices' costs during the scheme, for courses of between one and four years and is aimed at those hoping to pursue a career in property. The other half of the funding is provided by the government or the supplier employer.

The apprentices spend four days a year with Tesco as part of their ongoing development. On these days, trainees undertake Tesco-led core skill training and gain knowledge through team-building sessions, teaching groups and guest lecturers.

“We have been very pleased with the success of the scheme so far. For Tesco our investment goes back into the business because we work with supplier teams that know us very well and provide an enhanced service to us. At the same time apprentices can develop their skills with on the job training”, adds Collins.