On Thursday 4 September 2025, Ricoh UK Products Ltd’s (RPL) apprentices took to the great outdoors at Aztec Adventure Upton Warren for a day packed with team building, problem-solving, and plenty of laughs.

The event, designed as an induction activity, marked the warm welcome of four newly recruited apprentices: Lois, Ben, Ryan, and Jesse. They joined their peers for an action-filled day aimed at strengthening teamwork, communication, and resilience.

Climbing to New Heights

The day began with the Crate Stack Challenge, where teams worked together to build a towering stack of crates while keeping one teammate balanced on top. Wobbles and giggles were plenty, but teamwork prevailed.

From there, they took on the Jacob’s Ladder, a high ropes challenge demanding strength, agility, and encouragement from teammates on the ground. Each rung was further apart than the last, but their determination kept them climbing higher.

Putting Their Minds to the Test

Next came two initiative tasks, pushing the team to think strategically and work collaboratively under time pressure. These challenges encouraged quick decision-making and problem-solving – with a healthy dose of friendly competition.

After a well-deserved lunch, the group enjoyed a light-hearted icebreaker, matching surprising facts with their fellow apprentices. It proved a great way to learn more about each other beyond the workplace.

Making a Splash

The afternoon brought the team onto the water. First, apprentices tested their balance and paddling skills in an exciting Katakanu race. A sudden downpour didn’t dampen spirits - if anything, it added to the fun!

Finally, the much-anticipated Raft Building Challenge saw the group split into teams and armed with barrels, logs, and ropes. Creativity and knot-tying skills were tested to the max as teams raced to design and launch their rafts. Only one stayed afloat long enough to claim victory, but every group showed ingenuity and resilience.

Building Bonds Beyond the Day

Reflecting on the event, Claire Shepherd, Learning & Development Officer, shared:
“It was a fantastic opportunity for apprentices - new and existing - to bond outside of the workplace, developing skills in communication, teamwork, creativity and resilience that will support them throughout their journey at RPL. Despite the weather, the apprentices embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, showing teamwork and winning spirit that reflect Ricoh’s values.”

An Experience to Remember

The induction at Aztec Adventure was not just about climbing higher or paddling faster - it was about building bonds, overcoming challenges, and creating memories that will support RPL apprentices on their exciting career journeys.