Lowestoft apprentice scoops Persimmon Award for excellence

Enthusiasm, hard work and commitment from Thomas Rackham, a carpentry apprentice with Persimmon Homes Anglia has led to the 17 year old being announced as local winner of the company’s internal ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award scheme.

Now in its fifth 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 290 across 24 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 2007.

Thomas from Lowestoft has recently completed the second year of his apprenticeship after studying at Lowestoft College. In order to gain on the job training, since joining Persimmon in 2006, Thomas has spent time working alongside skilled tradesmen and contractors at a number of highly successful Persimmon developments including Castleton Meadows in Carlton Colville.

Shaun Marjoram, construction manager for Persimmon Homes Anglia was quick to congratulate Thomas when he presented him with a certificate, trophy and £250 of vouchers to spend of tools to commemorate his win. He said: “It’s not only Thomas’ positive attitude that has led to him winning this award but also the skills he has demonstrated when completing practical tasks, both at college and on-site. We wish him the very best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

Thomas will now go through to the regional stage of the competition to be in with a chance of winning further vouchers to the value of £250 to spend on tools and if successful, he will then be entered into the grand final. Persimmon’s Apprentice of the Year 2007 will be announced during October to coincide with National Construction Week (8th – 12th 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, visit Persimmonhomes.com and click on the recruitment link.