Apprentices battle it out for Persimmon's top title

The new BBC series is now underway however it's not only the likes of Sir Alan Sugar who is on the lookout for this year's top apprentice - Persimmon Homes has launched its annual search for its most talented young tradesman. Now in its sixth year, Persimmon's internal Apprentice of the Year contest aims to showcase and celebrate the achievements of the company's own ever growing number of apprentices and highlight their value in the workplace, a figure which currently stands at 90 across 25 regional offices.

All second and third year Persimmon apprentices are eligible to enter whether they specialise in bricklaying, carpentry or any other core discipline. The employee to emerge triumphant will be awarded the top prize of £1,000, whilst also being crowned Apprentice of the Year 2008.

Like many Persimmon personnel across the Group, chairman John White began his career as a bricklaying apprentice and is keen to reward trainees that go the extra mile. He said: "We are keen advocates of on-the-job training and place apprenticeship programmes at the heart of our business. It takes hard work and a great deal of dedication to succeed which is why I believe it's important to recognise that commitment.

"This award scheme shows just how much we value our own apprentices whilst demonstrating that training in housebuilding leads to recognised qualifications, real achievements and rewards."

Judging involves assessment of the apprentice by both Persimmon personnel and college tutors to give a clear picture of the entrants' overall performance and development to date.

Local winners will be announced in July - they then go through the regional heat and winners of that round, who will receive vouchers to the value of £250 to spend on tools, will be announced in August. The national winner will be announced during October.

The Apprentice Awards form part of Persimmon's continuous programme of activity aimed at encouraging young people into the house building industry. The company has launched a number of initiatives over the past five years under its award-winning ‘Homing in on Opportunity' programme, aimed primarily at 14-16 year olds. These have included a popular Careers Manual which was praised by The Department of Education, teachers and pupils alike for its clear job descriptions, real life case studies and national curriculum based tasks, careers posters and a Graduate Award scheme.

For details regarding career opportunities with Persimmon Homes, please visit www.persimmonhomes.com and click on the recruitment link.

Persimmon Homes Anglia is building at a range of developments across the region including in Norwich, Diss, Harleston, Rendlesham, Soham and Sudbury. If you are interested in the properties on offer, visit the company online at Persimmonhomes.com.