Quadron works in partnership with Groundwork - an environmental regeneration charity whose objective is to "build sustainable communities through joint environmental action".
One of the ways in which Groundwork delivers this is by supporting the long term unemployed and offenders or those at risk of offending into work in the horticulture industry. A thirteen week training programme gives basic amenity horticulture and employability skills and involves five weeks spend on placement with local employers.
Gwendwr Gardens, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham - an example of the partnership in action can be seen in this site, a small park situatied off Gwendwr Road. The park has a mixture of horticultural features: extensive lawned areas, rose gardens, specimen shrub plantings and a sunken garden.
Benefits for all - The partnership with Groundwork has benefits for all parties: the park itself will have a significant uplift in standards and on-site presence thus benefiting the local community whilst providing employment and training opportunities for the local long term unemployed. Groundwork receives a site for training purposes and a regular source of income, and Quadron's company profile is enhanced with the Council and local community, and its own staff are able to perform alternative works.
Training outcomes - At the end of the training period, the beneficiaries will be competent in and have achieved the following:
Basic amenity horticulture
Employability skills (punctuality, attitude, teamwork, customer service etc)
ROLO health & safety card secured
Interested individuals showing the right potential can also be offered full time employment opportunities within Quadron.