Rotherham: Apprentices put best feet forward to raise money for Africa in Dekamile challenge

The team took part in Willmott Dixon Partnerships’ ‘Walk a Mile for Dekamile’ event at Clifton Park in Rotherham, to raise money for the UK charity Dekamile.

Twenty-five apprentices from Willmott Dixon Partnerships, Galatia, Rotherham Council, Rotherham College, SNA Europe, and Eaton’s Cooper Lighting and Safety, took part in the sponsored mile walk and raised £1,400.

The walk was one of six events held across the UK by Willmott Dixon’s force of apprentices, as part of a company-wide challenge to raise £12,000 this year to go towards building a new skills academy in a village in Togo in West Africa.

The academy will be based on the model of Willmott Dixon’s 4Life Academy in Aston, Birmingham.

It will provide members of the Togolese community with construction skills and trade knowledge, to help support themselves for generations to come.

Willmott Dixon’s customer and community officer, Michael Pearson, said: “We’re very proud of our apprentices for working together to help raise as much money as possible for Dekamile.”

“Their fund-raising effort towards building a new academy in Togo just shows what great new ambassadors they are for the construction industry.”

Dekamile founder Rod Unger said: “We’re really grateful for Willmott Dixon’s ongoing support for our charity appeal.”

“The apprentices’ donation and support to build a new academy is tremendous in helping us to achieve our aims.”

Charles Grayson, senior business improvement consultant at Rotherham Colllege, added: “It’s been inspiring to be part of Willmott Dixon Partnerships’ ‘Walk-a-Mile for Dekamile’ Apprenticeship Challenge.”

“Our apprentices have again exceeded expectations and really shown the commitment, aptitude and drive which they bring to local business.”