Published at 14:54, Friday, 08 June 2012

APPRENTICES from Cumbrian-based specialist engineering group Shepley are making significant progress with a range of projects at the Calvert Trust, near Bassenthwaite.

The Shepley Group Apprentice Scheme currently has over 40 trainees at various stages of development and, for a number of years, the company has included community awareness training as part of the apprenticeship syllabus.

Their voluntary work at the Calvert Trust includes the creation of a zipwire challenge across a natural valley behind its headquarters in the Lake District.

The construction of a new wheelchair accessible path is nearing completion, making the way for the installation of a new bridge at the head of the gorge.

Shepley has engaged the services of Stobbarts who it closely collaborates with on commercial projects to provide civil engineering support.

Paul Scott, the Shepley Group managing director, said: “We are delighted to be helping out at the Calvert Trust.

“Sean and his team provide a fantastic service. The introduction of a zipwire in such an incredible setting will only broaden what is already an extensive range of outdoor adventure experiences.

“The arrangement is reciprocal in that it provides an extremely valuable experience for our trainees who can appreciate the essential role of such facilities within our community.”

Sean Day, the centre director, added: “The services that the Shepley apprentices and Stobbarts are providing will make a tremendous difference to our disabled visitors.

“Installing a wheelchair accessible woodland walk and zipwire behind the centre was simply not an option until the Shepley Group offered their support and expertise and I am constantly amazed at the commitment and hard work that the apprentices and the whole team have put into the project.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk