Builders Support Global Initiative: Plumbers Head to Africa
One of the key developers behind the major Valley Park development in Didcot has made a generous contribution of £1,000 to a programme that sends skilled plumbers abroad to assist with vital infrastructure projects in Africa. This initiative provides practical training and development opportunities for apprentices while simultaneously improving living conditions in communities overseas.
The donation was made by Persimmon Homes Wessex, a leading housebuilder, and was handed over to Harry, a 23-year-old apprentice from Renelec. Harry is one of four young tradespeople selected to travel to Tanzania this month as part of a Projects Abroad scheme. The cheque presentation took place at the Charles Church outlet within Valley Park, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the importance of supporting young talent in the construction and trades industries.
Apprentices Making a Real Difference
The Plumbers programme offers apprentices a unique chance to use their plumbing skills to make a tangible difference in communities that lack essential infrastructure. Harry and the other successful applicants will be involved in a variety of projects, including:
- Installing plumbing systems in toilets at a local daycare school.
- Digging trenches and laying water pipes to improve sanitation and access to clean water.
- Engaging with children, teaching basic English, and playing sports to support early childhood development.
This hands-on experience not only benefits the Tanzanian communities they serve but also helps the apprentices develop vital skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, which are highly valuable in their future careers.
Partnership Between Persimmon Homes and Renelec
Renelec, a specialist plumbing and electrical contractor, provides plumbing services for Persimmon at Valley Park. The company collaborates closely with Projects Abroad, a globally recognised organisation that arranges volunteer placements and internships in developing countries. Since its establishment, Projects Abroad has empowered over 135,000 participants across 23 countries, creating sustainable change while fostering professional development.
Through this initiative, apprentices gain not just technical skills but also international exposure and a sense of social responsibility. For Renelec, supporting these young plumbers is a way to nurture local talent while contributing to global development efforts.
Valley Park: Building a Sustainable Community
Valley Park is one of Didcot’s most ambitious residential developments, set to deliver 4,254 homes alongside two primary schools, a SEN school, local centres, and sports facilities. Once complete, the community will offer a well-connected and sustainable living environment for residents of all ages.
All Persimmon properties in Valley Park, including those provided to registered housing providers, are equipped with environmentally friendly features such as:
- Air source heat pumps for energy-efficient heating.
- Electric vehicle charging points to support sustainable transportation.
- Solar panels for renewable energy generation.
These features reflect Persimmon Homes’ commitment to sustainability and future-focused development, Plumbers ensuring that Valley Park will be a benchmark for modern housing in Oxfordshire.
Homes Available at Valley Park
For those looking to invest in the Valley Park community, Persimmon Homes currently offers homes starting from £216,995. Their sister company, Charles Church, also has premium homes available from £384,995. Both brands emphasise high-quality construction, modern design, and environmentally conscious features, catering to a wide range of buyers.
Supporting Apprentices and Global Impact
Pauline Fletcher, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Wessex, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
We are delighted to have been able to give some apprentices a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do some good deeds in a part of the world that will really benefit from it. Persimmon is proud to work with Renelec at our popular Valley Park site, and we wanted to lend a helping hand to their hard-working, young cohort through this brilliant initiative, especially with National Apprenticeship Week around the corner.
The programme not only benefits the communities in Tanzania but also allows apprentices to gain valuable international experience and personal growth. Exposure to different cultures and working conditions helps shape well-rounded professionals ready to take on challenges in their trade careers.
Renelec’s Perspective
John Skeen, Managing Director of Renelec, emphasised the long-term benefits of the programme:
This sponsorship will contribute directly to creating a long-term, sustainable impact abroad while investing in the growth of local talent here at home, so I want to give a big thank you to Persimmon for their help. Plumbers Renelec is a proud partner of Projects Abroad and hopes to secure funding to be able to send a group of apprentices every year.
By supporting such initiatives, companies like Renelec and Persimmon Homes are actively contributing to global development while simultaneously fostering skilled, motivated professionals in the construction and trades sectors.
Investing in the Future
This partnership highlights how corporate social responsibility can intersect with skills development. The apprentices’ work in Tanzania addresses critical infrastructure needs, from safe sanitation systems to access to clean water, while also creating cultural exchange opportunities that broaden participants’ horizons.
Programs like these demonstrate that investment in young talent, even within local industries, can have a far-reaching impact globally. By empowering apprentices to participate in meaningful international projects, companies are building both professional capacity and a sense of global citizenship among the next generation of tradespeople.
Conclusion
The donation from Persimmon Homes Wessex to support apprentices travelling to Tanzania reflects a forward-thinking approach to community, sustainability, and skills development. With the Valley Park development continuing to grow, residents will not only benefit from high-quality housing and modern amenities but also from the positive impact of a socially conscious development partner.
Through this initiative, the collaboration between Persimmon Homes, Renelec, and Projects Abroad provides a blueprint for how the construction industry can invest in both local talent and global communities, creating a lasting legacy for everyone involved.
Source link : https://www.persimmonhomes.com/
