A teenage bricklaying apprentice from Swindon has been earmarked as ‘one to watch’ by senior colleagues at national housebuilder Persimmon Homes.

Seventeen-year-old Oakley Tucker joined the company in September 2020 and quickly impressed with his natural aptitude and willingness to learn.

Currently, Oakley spends one day each week on his college studies, while honing his bricklaying skills on prestigious new homes developments in the Swindon area, such as Regent Park, Calne and Badbury Park.

“Oakley showed great promise from the start,” said Persimmon bricklaying master Andy Owen. “He has natural ability and picks up instructions very quickly. Within weeks of starting he was working alongside our experienced teams and has made excellent progress.

“He not only lays an impressive quantity of bricks per day himself but understands the importance of team working, which is crucial when working under pressure to tight deadlines. With the right training and guidance, I’m sure Oakley can be a great asset to Persimmon and the construction industry for many years to come.”

Reflecting on his impressive start within the business, Oakley said: “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn the trade with a company like Persimmon. I’m enjoying my time here as it offers great experience on a variety of projects. Working alongside other, more experienced, professionals can only make me better at the job.”