Horticulture students have been putting their skills into practice in the local community by helping to maintain raised planters at Aico’s headquarters in Oswestry.
The students, from our Gobowen campus, have been tending the planters as part of their work experience.
The project gives Horticulture students the chance to use their plant care and garden maintenance skills in a real workplace, while supporting a local business. It also continues a long-standing partnership between College and Aico, the Oswestry-based home life safety company.
Students have previously helped Aico’s grounds bloom as part of a flower bed project which contributed to the company winning a Best Commercial Premises award at the Oswestry in Bloom awards.
Jane Pritchard, Aico’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Engagement Lead, said: “We were delighted to welcome students from Derwen College back to Aico to help maintain our raised planters. We value our partnerships with local charities and educational providers and are proud to support opportunities that give students meaningful work experience.
“Their enthusiasm and help is much appreciated, while their support in maintaining our outdoor spaces creates a mutually beneficial partnership, delivering value for everyone. We look forward to continuing our work with the College and supporting where we can.”
For our students, external work experience is an important part of learning, helping them transfer the skills they develop on campus into community and workplace settings.
Meaningful work experience
Derwen College Fundraiser Bryony Wesson said: “This project is a brilliant example of how local businesses can support Derwen College students through practical, meaningful work experience.
“Aico’s continued support helps our students build skills, confidence and independence in a real workplace setting. Businesses can make a real difference in many ways, from offering work experience to supporting Derwen College through sponsorship, fundraising and volunteering.”
Aico, based in Oswestry, is recognised as the European market leader in home life safety, offering a variety of products to guarantee protection for every home, the cornerstone of which is delivering education, quality, service and innovation.
We hope the partnership with Aico will continue to grow, creating more opportunities for students and strengthening links with local businesses.
Find out more about how your business could support Derwen Charity at www.derwen.ac.uk/charity or email Fundraiser Bryony Wesson at bryony.wesson@derwen.ac.uk
