Apprentices on the double for Persimmon in Doncaster

Doncaster-based Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire has appointed two new apprentices as part of its on-going drive to encourage young people into the construction industry. Gareth Carey is studying joinery and Shaun Platts training to become a bricklayer.

Both apprentices will study on block release for professional NVQ qualifications at Doncaster College which feature practical and theoretical elements. The youngsters will also gain on the job experience from qualified site staff at Persimmon’s Moor Park development in Armthorpe.

Graham Hill, Persimmon’s regional construction director, comments: "The industry as a whole, Persimmon Homes included, is clearly making headway in terms of attracting more young people to consider a career in construction.

"These modern apprenticeships, which are operated through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will not only enable our new recruits to gain valuable experience in their chosen field, but will educate them on the wide range of career opportunities that are available, which many youngsters are simply unaware of at present.

“With the industry crying out for fresh talent I shall very much look forward to tracking the progress of all our new apprentices.”

Graham’s comments reiterate Persimmon’s stance on apprentice issues and its attempts to encourage more young people to consider a career in house building. The company is currently targeting secondary schools, further education colleges and careers offices across the region with a poster campaign, as part of a nationwide initiative to attract 14-16 years olds into the construction industry - stage three of its ‘Homing In on Opportunity’ campaign, a series of initiatives designed to address the widely publicised skills shortage in the UK construction industry.

Persimmon Homes currently employs in excess of 290 apprentices nationally, with 12 in the South Yorkshire region alone.

Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire is currently creating new communities in Barnsley, Harworth, Laughton, Worksop, Gainsborough and Woodlaithes Village near Rotherham and Doncaster including Auckley, Armthorpe and Kirk Sandall.

For further information on the range of homes available, or for details about career opportunities with Persimmon, visit Persimmonhomes.com.