First Minister Visits Persimmon Construction Academy
The First Minister, accompanied by local MP Alex Davies-Jones, recently visited the Persimmon Construction Academy in Llanilid, Rhondda Cynon Taf, during National Apprenticeship Week. The visit provided an opportunity for the First Minister to engage with current apprentices and students undertaking construction qualifications, gaining insight into their experiences and the unique learning opportunities offered by the Academy.
Meeting Apprentices and Students
During the visit, the First Minister spoke directly with apprentices about their training programs, career ambitions, and prospects within the construction industry. She also joined students from Mary Immaculate High School, who were participating in hands-on bricklaying and tiling demonstrations alongside Persimmon trainees. This interaction highlighted the Academy’s focus on practical, real-world experience, preparing students for employment while also introducing younger learners to the skills and demands of the construction sector.
Partnership with Bridgend College
The Persimmon Construction Academy operates in close partnership with Bridgend College and benefits from Welsh Government apprenticeship funding. The program is designed to combine classroom-based learning with on-site practical training at Persimmon’s live housing developments. This dual approach ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that equips them with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in construction.
Structured Apprenticeship Program
Students at the Academy typically begin their journey on a foundation course that introduces them to the fundamentals of construction work. Following this initial stage, they have the opportunity to progress into full employment with Persimmon Homes through a structured three-year apprenticeship program. This pathway allows students to develop a deep understanding of the construction process, gain valuable on-site experience, and build a solid career foundation within the housebuilding sector.
Early Career Exposure
The Academy also works with younger learners aged 14–16, offering them an early introduction to careers in construction. These initiatives aim to spark interest in the industry at an early age, helping to develop the next generation of skilled workers. By combining classroom education with practical exposure, the Academy encourages students to consider construction as a viable and rewarding career option while addressing the skills gap in the Welsh workforce.
Hands-On Learning at Live Developments
By situating the Academy alongside an active housing development, apprentices gain firsthand experience of modern construction methods and techniques. Working on real projects allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical situations, learning how to operate safely and efficiently on-site. In addition, apprentices contribute directly to the delivery of new homes, giving them a sense of accomplishment and a tangible impact on their local community.
Supporting Local Housing Needs
The Llanilid development is projected to deliver more than 1,700 new homes, addressing housing demand across Rhondda Cynon Taf and supporting local homeownership. The integration of the Construction Academy into this development ensures that apprentices are actively involved in creating homes that meet the needs of the local population. This approach not only provides hands-on learning opportunities but also strengthens the local housing market and economy.
Creating a Skilled Workforce
The Persimmon Construction Academy plays a vital role in developing a skilled workforce for South Wales. By providing structured apprenticeships, on-site training, and early career exposure, the program ensures that young people acquire the technical skills and practical experience necessary to succeed in the construction industry. This investment in talent helps address ongoing skills shortages while supporting the long-term sustainability of the housing sector.
Sharon Bouhali’s Statement
Sharon Bouhali, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the First Minister’s visit, saying:
“We were pleased to welcome the First Minister and Alex Davies-Jones MP to our Construction Academy in Llanilid during National Apprenticeship Week to showcase the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting both our housebuilding program and the wider Welsh economy. Our partnership with Bridgend College is creating meaningful opportunities for people to gain qualifications, develop practical skills, and build long-term careers within construction.
By investing in training and working closely with education providers, government, and our supply chain, we are supporting local employment, helping to address skills shortages, and ensuring we can continue delivering high-quality, much-needed homes for local people across South Wales.”
Investing in Local Talent
The Academy’s focus on practical skills and formal qualifications reflects Persimmon’s commitment to developing local talent and providing long-term career pathways. Apprentices benefit from mentoring, hands-on guidance, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals, preparing them for a broad range of roles in the construction sector. This investment not only supports individual career growth but also strengthens the overall construction workforce in the region.
Bridging Education and Industry
By combining education with on-site experience, the Persimmon Construction Academy serves as a bridge between academic learning and industry demands. Students and apprentices are exposed to real-life construction challenges, learning how to apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects. This approach ensures that graduates are workforce-ready and equipped to contribute meaningfully to housebuilding initiatives and other construction projects across Wales.
A Model for Future Apprenticeships
The success of the Llanilid Academy demonstrates how industry, education, and government can collaborate to create impactful apprenticeship programs. By providing young people with both the skills and experience they need to succeed, the Academy sets a benchmark for construction training programs across the UK. It also reinforces the value of apprenticeships in creating sustainable careers and addressing workforce shortages in key industries.
Source link: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/
