Over the past couple of years, Andover College has formed a strong link with Persimmon Homes.

The housebuilder’s South Coast regional business has previously taken on Andover College bricklaying students to work on its Picket Twenty site and recently done the same with four of the ‘Class of 2019’ now working for Persimmon after a successful trial.

Not only has the company supported alumni but has also recently donated tools and resources to the college’s Bricklaying Department to benefit current students.

David Wales, assistant principal (professions), said: “Working with a company like Persimmon gives our students a fantastic opportunity to put the skills they learn with us to good use as they take the first steps in their careers.”

Andover College has built strong links with local employers to ensure students have both the knowledge and experience to go into industry and are aware of all the opportunities awaiting them.

Persimmon Homes South Coast construction director Paul Coombes added: “An ever-increasing demand for new homes means there is no shortage of career opportunities within the construction industry.

“Persimmon is proud to work in partnership with Andover College in the training and development of future skilled craftspeople to help deliver quality new homes in the community.

“We were delighted to take this one step further with the donation of around £1,500 worth of tools for the college’s bricklaying workshop and aim to support carpentry students in a similar way, ensuring they gain the professional experience to set them on the path to a long and successful career.”

Persimmon South Coast operates new build homes developments across Hampshire and Wiltshire.