Our Anglia region is celebrating after being recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer in the Government’s annual rankings.

Persimmon employs over 650 apprentices and trainees across all of its 31 regional businesses and apprentices have enjoyed over 55,000 hours of training through its apprenticeship programme.

Michelle Baker, Managing Director, Persimmon Homes Anglia, said “We’re delighted to have been recognised as one of the country’s leading employers for apprentices. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people of any age to be earning while learning. I’d encourage anyone interested in our industry to consider starting an apprenticeship. From the construction site to regional headquarters, our apprentices make an enormous contribution to Persimmon.”

First launched in 2020, the annual employer rankings are developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research. The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers help future apprentices, parents, and careers advisers to identify good apprenticeship opportunities at the country’s leading employers.

Persimmon are committed to providing high quality skilled employment for all its employees. As well as recently becoming a Living Wage Foundation employer, we are also using our national apprenticeship programme to help diversify the construction workforce.

James Hunter started out as a labourer before embarking on a bricklaying apprenticeship. The 24-year old, based at the Kett’s Meadow development, has now been promoted to the role of assistant site manager. James said “I would massively recommend the apprenticeship route. The construction industry offers great opportunities for young people who are willing to start at the bottom and work hard. But without the training and support of Persimmon I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

For 23-year-old Adam Schindler, the training and support offered by Persimmon has enabled him to rise from carpenter, to finishing foreman, to assistant site manager at the Elm Farm development. Adam said “Persimmon are very good at making sure you have all the right training, not just for the job you are doing today, but to prepare you for future roles. It is great as a employee to see that they have plans for you and want you to progress. When I started with Persimmon five years ago, my manager was a labourer and now he is a site manager. It shows that if you work hard you really can build long-term careers with the company.”

To celebrate the company’s 50th birthday, Persimmon have launched Target 50, an initiative that will recruit 50 female apprentices or trainees into frontline construction roles this year.

Joining that cohort is 24-year-old Rowan Gadd who joined the Anglia business in March this year as a trainee assistant site manager. She said “I’m working on the Elm Farm development, which is a very large site, so there is a lot to learn but I am like a sponge, taking it all in. I’ll be starting an NVQ soon and it’s great to be able to increase my knowledge at the same time as gaining practical skills. I enjoy the hands-on side of the job and I think its good for everyone to see more women out on site.”

Michelle Baker, Managing Director, added “Successful companies reflect the communities they serve. We want to be Britain’s best home builder and Target 50 helps ensure we attract the very best and brightest.”

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities visit the website.