Councillors Mark Fryer and Elaine Lynch, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development respectively, visited Carlisle College during National Apprenticeship Week to meet with a range of local apprentices.

Hosted by the College and Persimmon Homes Lancashire, the councillors saw how apprentices are putting the skills they are developing both in the college and on live Persimmon developments to use.

Persimmon Lancashire, who support 40 trade apprentices across their region, has also donated 10,000 bricks to Carlisle College which students are using to further their development.

Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “It is fantastic to support Persimmon and Carlisle College in training the next generation of bricklayers who will play a vital role in helping to deliver more homes across Cumberland. This partnership is giving apprentices valuable, hands on experience and helping to strengthen the local skills pipeline at a time when the industry needs it most.

“National Apprenticeship Week has offered a welcome chance to see this partnership in practice.”

Sarah McGrath, Principal at Carlisle College, added: “Sustainable growth is essential to Carlisle’s future, and the construction industry, in particular house building, sits at the heart of that growth.

“To meet the city’s long term ambitions, we must future proof our skills pipeline, and apprenticeships are a vital part of that. They not only equip people with the expertise our region needs, but also ensure that local communities directly benefit from the opportunities growth brings.”

Gareth Stansfield, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Lancashire, added: “As a business with a strong presence in Carlisle, I am delighted that we can continue to work with Carlisle College to develop the regions skilled workforce.

“Investing in Carlisle and local people through our apprenticeship scheme is a priority for us, and it was great to see our apprentices showcase their high-quality work to both councillors Fryer and Lynch.”