Persimmon inspire next generation of construction workers at ‘fantastic’ Plymouth jobs fair

Persimmon Homes recently joined some of Plymouth’s biggest and best known employers at the city’s ‘Launchpad Live’ two-day future careers event.

Launchpad Live was hosted at Home Park on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd September and was attended by over 2000 students from Years 9 – 13.

The careers fair showcased the wide array of opportunities available locally and promoted the city’s key growth sectors, including construction and housebuilding.

Persimmon attended the event to inspire and attract the next generation of construction workers in West Devon.

The firm engaged with hundreds of young students to improve awareness of career choices and progression pathways available in the industry after they leave school.

The housebuilder was represented by apprentice manager, Andy Wallis, and two young apprentice bricklayers, David Mears and Kieran Hudson, who oversaw a practical activity on the stand to inform students about the construction sector.

Commenting on the event, Andy said: “Persimmon Homes were delighted to attend ‘Launchpad Live’ and support this fantastic initiative by Plymouth City Council, YMCA Plymouth, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Plymouth Citybus.

“As we see every day at Persimmon, apprenticeships have the power to deliver life-changing job opportunities, and our business is only as strong as the workforce we harness and develop.

“Our apprentices, David Mears and Kieran Hudson, provided students with a first-class insight into their journeys so far, and offered specific advice and guidance on embarking on a career in the construction industry.

“Persimmon’s apprenticeship programmes provide solid foundations on which aspiring construction workers can begin to build a long and rewarding career within one of the fastest moving and exciting industry sectors in the UK.

“It was a pleasure to support Building Plymouth, the local council and other stakeholders at this incredibly worthwhile event as we look to attract the best local talent to Persimmon.”

Launchpad Live was organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with YMCA Plymouth, with further support from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Plymouth Citybus.

The event consisted of various interactive zones that covered many key employment and growth sectors, including the built environment.

As a leading employer in the South West, Persimmon is firmly committed to the training and development of new entrants to the industry.

The firm’s apprenticeships provide people with the chance to gain valuable, job specific training, alongside, job security and great career prospects.

With over 600 trainees and apprentices nationwide, the Group offers 1 – 5 year apprenticeships in a range of occupations across all of our companies, from entry level 2 trade to level 6 degree apprenticeships.

Persimmon also offer a range of sponsored higher level qualifications supporting your progression throughout your career with Persimmon. For more information, please visit https://www.persimmonhomes.com/jobs/apprenticeships/