Persimmon announces new partnership with Fife College

Persimmon Homes to deliver apprenticeships with Fife College, becoming the largest partner of construction colleges across Scotland.

Persimmon Homes has announced a new partnership with Fife College, with the recruitment of Casey Gardner, a 19-year-old from Fife, as an apprentice painter and decorator.

The announcement cements Persimmon’s place as the largest partner of construction colleges across Scotland. The home builder’s apprenticeship programme includes a mixture of bricklaying, joinery, roofing, and painting and decorating apprentices, who are gaining hands-on experience on developments across the country.

To mark the new partnership, William Smith, Persimmon’s Regional Apprenticeship Manager, joined local MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, and Fife College Principal, Jim Metcalfe, at a special event on the college campus.

Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said:

“It was wonderful to meet the first apprentice recruited for this new partnership between Persimmon Homes and Fife College.
 
“I have no doubt that this will be an opportunity for Casey to develop her skills and confidence with hands-on work experience from Persimmon, under the guidance of outstanding lecturers from Fife College.
 
“I understand this is the 15th such partnership between Persimmon and colleges across Scotland, and I am very pleased that Fife students will benefit from this excellent programme.”

William Smith, Persimmon Regional Apprenticeship Manager, said:

“As one of Scotland’s largest providers of construction apprenticeships, we are thrilled to partner with Fife College to develop the next generation of construction professionals.

“Casey’s enthusiasm and determination exemplify the qualities we look for in our apprentices, and we’re proud to provide her with the tools and support to thrive in her new role.”

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said:

"At Fife College, we are proud to partner with over 189 employers to deliver one of Scotland’s most successful Modern Apprenticeship programmes, ensuring that young people like Casey have the opportunity to gain in-demand skills while contributing to the growth of our regional economy. 

“This new partnership with Persimmon Homes reflects our shared vision for developing the next generation of talent in the construction sector, equipping apprentices with the training and hands-on experience they need to thrive in their careers.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and representatives from Persimmon Homes to our Glenrothes Campus to celebrate this important collaboration, which will create more fantastic opportunities for young people in Fife."