Persimmon Homes Donates 3,000 Bricks to Kent College
Persimmon Homes South East is making significant strides in promoting careers in construction by forging strong partnerships with colleges to help support students’ learning. As part of their commitment to developing future talent, Craig West, the Construction Director for Persimmon Homes South East, visited Canterbury College to donate six pallets of bricks from a recently completed building site. This donation not only serves to recycle materials but also provides valuable resources that will contribute to the education of future generations in the construction industry.
During his visit, Craig West met with learners and had the opportunity to observe their progress as they laid the groundwork for their careers. He engaged in discussions about potential partnerships with Persimmon Homes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the construction sector and educational institutions. This visit occurred just ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 10 to February 16. The timing of the visit provided Craig with the perfect opportunity to offer advice to students pursuing careers in construction, especially those considering apprenticeships once they complete their Level 2 Diploma in bricklaying. He also shared insights on apprenticeship opportunities for students studying plumbing and carpentry at the Kent-based college.
Craig West expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the next generation of construction professionals, saying, “At Persimmon, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of construction workers and ensuring they have the right skills to help us build the homes we need here in the South East. By working with colleges and supplying materials that are used in practical lessons, we can support that learning and give students the vital hands-on experience that will prepare them for successful careers in the industry.”
West further emphasized the significance of giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in addition to classroom learning. He noted, “Seeing the skills showcased here, it is clear these students have successful careers ahead of them, and it would be a pleasure to see some of them working on our developments in years to come.”
The visit to Canterbury College represents one of the many efforts Persimmon Homes South East is making to foster collaboration between the construction industry and educational institutions, providing students with valuable learning experiences and resources. By donating bricks from a completed site, Persimmon is ensuring that these materials will be put to good use, helping students practice their craft in real-world scenarios. This is particularly important for those training in bricklaying, plumbing, and carpentry, as the hands-on experience they gain during their studies is critical in helping them develop the skills necessary to excel in their chosen professions.
Phillip Wood, Programme Director for Bricklaying at Canterbury College, expressed gratitude for the generous donation and the potential for a long-term partnership with Persimmon Homes. He said, “We look forward to forging a meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership with Persimmon moving forward, and we thank them for their generous donation of resources. This generosity not only encompasses the EKC values of sustainability and community involvement but also provides students with high-quality materials that will be reused for future cohorts of students for the foreseeable future.”
The donation of bricks aligns with the values of sustainability and community engagement, which are central to both Persimmon Homes and Canterbury College. By recycling materials from construction projects, Persimmon Homes is helping to minimize waste while simultaneously supporting local communities and educational initiatives. In turn, the students at Canterbury College will benefit from the use of these materials in their studies, gaining valuable experience that will set them up for success in the workforce.
The partnership between Persimmon Homes and Canterbury College highlights the growing importance of collaboration between the construction industry and educational institutions. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, it is essential for companies like Persimmon Homes to take an active role in supporting the next generation of workers. By providing students with access to high-quality materials, hands-on experience, and industry insights, Persimmon Homes is helping to ensure that these students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the construction industry.
The timing of this visit, just ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, underscores the significance of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to learn on the job, gaining practical experience while earning a wage. This approach to learning is highly effective in the construction industry, where hands-on experience is essential for developing the skills necessary to succeed.
For many students, an apprenticeship offers a clear pathway to a long-term career in construction, and Persimmon Homes is committed to ensuring that students in the South East have access to these valuable opportunities. Craig West’s visit to Canterbury College not only provided students with advice on how to take the next steps in their careers but also reinforced Persimmon Homes’ dedication to building strong relationships with local educational institutions.
In conclusion, Persimmon Homes South East’s donation of bricks to Canterbury College is just one example of the company’s broader efforts to support the development of future construction professionals. By partnering with colleges, donating resources, and offering apprenticeships, Persimmon Homes is helping to build a skilled workforce that will contribute to the success of the construction industry for years to come. As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, this visit serves as a reminder of the importance of apprenticeships and the role that companies like Persimmon Homes play in shaping the future of the construction sector.
