E.ON degree apprentices help transform outdoor spaces at Cotmanhay Junior School

The volunteering day formed part of E.ON's ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves and making a positive impact beyond the workplace. Cotmanhay Junior School was selected because it serves an area where several outdoor spaces are in need of improvement.

Twelve E.ON degree apprentices spent the day working across the school grounds, tackling a range of projects designed to refresh and revitalise key areas of the playground.

Working in teams, the apprentices restored a well-loved playhouse by sanding and repainting it, giving it a new lease of life for pupils to enjoy. Another group refurbished the school's gazebo, carefully preparing and repainting the structure to create a more inviting outdoor space.

Meanwhile, a third team created a colourful mosaic feature for the school's newly established Memory Garden – a peaceful area where children can relax, reflect and spend time outdoors. By the end of the day, the school's outdoor environment had been transformed thanks to the dedication, teamwork and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

The day also provided an opportunity for E.ON's degree apprentices to come together outside of their day-to-day roles, strengthening relationships while making a positive difference to the local community.

During the visit, the apprentices also met with the school's SMILERS team – a group of pupils who champion health and wellbeing across the school. The students shared their 'Ways to Wellbeing' toolkit and explained how they encourage classmates to look after themselves and support one another.

Hattie Smith, Digital Marketing Apprentice at E.ON, said: "I really enjoyed taking part in the volunteering day at Cotmanhay Junior School and helping to repaint the playground. It was rewarding to contribute towards creating a brighter and more welcoming space for the children. Working alongside the other apprentices made it a fantastic team-building experience, and it was incredibly fulfilling to give something back to the local community."

Hannah Pearson, Deputy Head Teacher at Cotmanhay Junior School, said:"We are so grateful to the E.ON degree apprentices for their hard work in the hot sun to paint our playhouse and gazebo areas. Today, the printed SMILERS panels are being installed and we can't wait to see the final result. We simply couldn't have got everything ready without your help – thank you!

"The SMILERS crew also really enjoyed sharing our Ways to Wellbeing toolkit with your apprentices. We hope the SMILERS message continues to spread far and wide so that everyone remembers to take care of themselves and each other."

The volunteering day highlights how E.ON's degree apprenticeship programme provides opportunities for colleagues to develop not only professionally, but also through giving back to the communities they serve. By volunteering their time and skills, the apprentices have helped create a lasting, positive impact for Cotmanhay Junior School while demonstrating the power of teamwork and community action.