Apprentice carpenter Lewis Borley has set his sights on a long-term career with leading regional housebuilder Persimmon Homes North East when he completes his training.

The 17-year-old from Widdrington, Northumberland, is halfway through his two-year apprenticeship, which sees him studying at Ashington College one day a week and practising his new skills on site the rest of the time.

As the company celebrates National Apprenticeship Week Lewis says his experience so far is making him determined to pursue a career with the housebuilder.

He said: “Long-term I hope when I finish my training that I will be able to stay on and continue working for Persimmon on the sites in the North East.

“I started the apprenticeship in the same year I left school and I really enjoy it. At the moment I am working on the St Nicholas Manor development and most recently I have been working first and second fixes.

“Everyone has been brilliant, and I have learned so much both through going to college and working on site. I really do see my future being with Persimmon.”

Chris Curry, managing director of Persimmon Homes North East, said: “Apprenticeships combining on-the-job training and classroom learning are an excellent way to learn a trade.

“At Persimmon we are committed to training and developing our employees and recruiting and developing apprentices is key to that. We are strengthening our workforce and that of the construction industry as a whole.”