Quadron Services

Quadron has been working with Groundwork, the environmental regeneration charity to provide work experience and placement opportunities for the long term unemployed.   Robert Beale and Mike Richards have both entered employment with Quadron following their involvement with Groundwork.  Their stories:

Robert Beale was initially referred to Groundwork in Spring 2009. He was originally a member of the Cultivating Recovery Green Team, a programme funded by the London Development Authority, supporting those with various disabilities on the road back to work, through basic skills, horticultural training, and job search support.

Despite his muscular and learning disabilities, Robert was a keen and vibrant member of the team, who grew to be respected and liked by the whole Groundwork Team, both within the employment department and without. Robert learned plenty of gardening and teamwork skills, and this flared his passion to learn more and one day run his own business. Robert used petrol machinery, learned to work safely and even took on the essential role of "guest" physio in a celebratory football match.

He left the programme to pursue a course in IT in September, however in January, when the opportunity arose to re-join Groundwork on the government funded Future Jobs Fund programme, Robert jumped at the chance. He was employed as a Trainee Groundsman in February 2010 and, after two weeks of initial training, he was placed in Ravenscourt Park. Robert worked there for six months and, although he initially struggled to work to a commercial level, his consistency of attendance, willing attitude, and hard work, meant he soon became a valued member of the team. At the end of his contract Robert had proved he could be successful as a parks gardener the next stage was to progress to a full paid position.

Robert kept in touch with Groundwork and Quadron and, when an apprentice position became available in Kensington and Chelsea, Robert's was the first name on our list. He is now in full time work, on a three-year, staged apprenticeship programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for Robert to continue to develop as a horticulturalist and no more than he deserves after all his hard work. Robert proves to all of us that commitment, dedication and self belief really do pay off.

In Robbie's words: "I really enjoy being part of the Quadron team in Holland Park. Everyone has made me feel really welcome and I love working in a high profile park. I was surprised to get a job so quickly but now Im really looking forward to studying at Capel Manor and continuing my career.

The training at Groundwork with Vinny and Lucy was really fun, and I miss that team too. I got all the tools I needed, and my confidence is improving all the time. I want to tell all the Groundwork and Quadron teams thank you, and to make sure they know how well I'm doing!"

Mike Richards came to Groundwork London looking for work in February 2010. He had been out of work for two years, having re-trained to be a councillor but not found employment. He had worked as a gardener and team leader previously, but was low on confidence after his period of unemployment.

Mike was not eligible for our horticultural training scheme, but was able to come in and work with our employment advisors, developing his CV, and building up his interview confidence, as well as working on the essentials of finding vacancies to apply for.

Mike originally went for a role at Ginkgo and was disheartened when unsuccessful.  However, after some persuasion, he agreed to apply for a Team Leader position with Quadron in Kensington and Chelsea.  Mike was successful here, but the role proved to be unsuitable. He had, however, made a good impression and was moved to work as a Park Keeper in the north of the borough. Mike has settled in there, steadily growing into the role, and becoming a valued member of the team. He has had the chance to steadily rebuild his esteem and is enjoying work again in his chose profession.

In Mike's words: "My work for Quadron at Little Wormwood Scrubs is really interesting. I trained as a gardener to be able to do this. I still feel motivated even though it's December! I've also learned the value of good communication, along with hard work, and I feel really suited to my work here.

Groudwork gave me a lot of support, focus and encouragement. I wouldn't have a job otherwise. It's great to be working, as when I'm out of work, I get depressed and into debt from having nothing to do. I really appreciate the chance I got to break the cycle."

Mike's supervisor, Steve Redman, adds: "Since Mike started working in Little Wormwood Scrubs there has been an increase in work productivity, with jobs being completed on time and to a high standard that has not been seen before in the park.

Mike's enthusiasm for horticulture has made it a pleasure to work with him, not only for myself, but for his other work colleagues."