E.ON volunteers create a playground paradise for Nottingham schoolchildren

A day of transformation

Some 20 E.ON degree apprentices joined colleagues from its Early Talent Team, rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on several key projects to help overhaul the school’s grounds.

One of the major tasks was taking down an old greenhouse to create a more usable garden area. Now cleared, this new space allows the schoolchildren to learn about growing fruit and vegetables, fostering a hands-on approach to education and sustainability. In addition, the volunteers created a gravel digging area for the children to enjoy during breaks and lunchtime play.

Building community and skills

The day was not just about physical transformation; it was also an opportunity for E.ON’s degree apprentices to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in the community. It was a chance to reflect on their apprenticeship journeys, share experiences, and build stronger connections with their peers.

Naomi Furlonger, Early Careers Talent Consultant at E.ON, expressed her pride in the team's efforts: "It was a huge pleasure to take along such an enthusiastic group of volunteers to my children’s primary school for the day. The tasks we had ahead of us at the start of the day seemed daunting, but we managed to achieve so much for the school, tasks that would have taken the school weeks to do themselves.

“It’s great that we’re able to take the time to volunteer and support our local community and also take ourselves away from day-to-day working life and enjoy being outside to refresh ourselves mentally and physically."

Leaving a lasting impact

Jesse Gray Primary School has adopted the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) playtime initiative, which emphasises back-to-basics play and the freedom to explore with a variety of equipment.

From office chairs to scooters, dressing up gear, and even hammocks in trees, the children now have a diverse range of options to fuel their imaginations and play creatively.

The impact of the volunteers' hard work was immediately evident. Mr. Belton, Head Teacher at Jesse Gray Primary School, shared his gratitude: "We’re so grateful to the E.ON team of volunteers for coming along for the day and working so hard on our outdoor play areas. Outdoor play is fundamental to our ethos here at Jesse Gray and we know the children benefit so much from the fantastic outdoor provisions we have here at our school.

“The gravel pit the team built has been well used already, the children are thoroughly enjoying digging and burying treasures in the gravel. And we now have more space in our school garden area to modernise the garden and make it more enjoyable for the children. Thanks again E.ON team!"

Reflections from E.ON’s degree apprentices

E.ON’s degree apprentices also found the experience deeply rewarding.

Matthew Barrett, a second-year Project Management Degree Apprentice, noted: "Volunteering days allow us to come together as a degree apprentice community to make a meaningful difference. Recently, we spent the day at Jesse Gray Primary School where we painted, built a new sandpit, and cleared out/demolished an old greenhouse. It was a fun day for all, and it was great to see the positive impact we made for the students."

Tianni Kuriakose, a first-year Project Management Degree Apprentice, added: "Volunteering at Jesse Gray Primary school’s garden was such a great experience. It encouraged teambuilding, problem-solving, and offered a chance to reconnect with nature. It was a refreshing break from the routine of day-to-day work, and it was fun because it brought together nature, learning and laughter."

E.ON is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. The day at Jesse Gray Primary School was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the joy of giving back and helping to uplift local communities.

To find out more about:

• E.ON’s degree apprenticeship scheme – including details of how to apply and to register your interest for the September 2026 scheme intake visit the E.ON early careers webpage
• Careers at E.ON visit the E.ON careers website
• E.ON’s work to create a positive social impact across the UK, click here