Major housebuilder launches schools pilot for National Apprenticeship Week

A leading Welsh developer has launched its new pilot programme where apprentices teach the next generation of housebuilders.

Apprentices at Persimmon Homes’ Training Academy in Llanilid, which is run in conjunction with Bridgend College, took pupils from nearby schools through the principles of building the homes of the future in the first session of a new programme being delivered.

The local pupils were invited to learn new skills at the Academy – which has produced over 2 00 apprentices since its launch in 2018 – during National Apprenticeship Week, when Deputy First Minister and local Senedd member Huw Irranca-Davies MS visited the site.

The pilot scheme coincides with news that the five-star housebuilder is the largest employer of traditional apprentices in the Welsh construction industry and the launch of a Roofing, Slating, and Tiling apprenticeship at the Academy, making it the first college in Wales to deliver one.

Joining Persimmon and Bridgend College on site was the Construction Industry Training Board, who are emphasising the importance of apprenticeships to improving life chances, career routes, and economic growth in local areas.

To mark how apprenticeships can change lives, two apprentices from the Training Academy have shared their stories – Nathan who has taken the opportunity to train to raise his children, and Layla who now has set her sights on becoming a site manager (see notes to editors).

Stephen Cleveley, Regional Chair of Persimmon Homes, said:

“Persimmon is incredibly proud of the Academy we run in conjunction with our brilliant partners at Bridgend College, so it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to launch our new schools programme during National Apprenticeship Week.

“It only goes to show the high level of skill our apprentices have to pass onto the next generation of housebuilders who’ll help bring new homes to their communities in years to come.

“We’re all the more delighted that this has come at a time when we celebrate our status as Welsh construction’s largest employer of traditional apprentices.”

Rob Clover, Employer Partnership Leader for Construction at Bridgend College, added:

“I am delighted the College has launched the schools programme at the Training Academy this week, which will hopefully generate a fascination and ambition among local children to take up a career in the construction industry.

“We’re also particularly pleased to be the first College in Wales to be launching an apprenticeship in roofing, slating, and tiling, offering local young people great opportunities that can make a difference, not just in the local economy but, in their own lives.”

Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for Ogmore, said:

“Apprenticeships can lead to well-paid jobs in industries where we need more skilled workers, so it was fantastic to see this initiative from Persimmon and Bridgend College giving local young people the chance to take up these opportunities.

“Collaboration between employers and colleges is critical to delivering a strong workforce and a prosperous economy, particularly as we strive to deliver on an ambitious housing agenda.”

Mark Whitby, Customer Engagement Manager at Construction Industry Training Board, commented:

“The support of our employers and partners is essential to the sector in having the pipeline of talent and skills at the right time. The development of the Academy and their links into the local community shows the value of true partnerships and how they can work.

“Developing new provision like the Roof, Slating and Tiling apprenticeship – due to be launched this year – is particularly pleasing. Having a new solution for apprenticeships within Wales for this occupation widens the opportunities for those seeking to enter the sector for the first time.”