Persimmon Homes have won big at Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards, taking home three prestigious accolades.

Persimmon was commended in three award categories, in a night celebrating local talent in the North East.

Held at the Copthorne Hotel, the awards recognised the apprentices, mentors and employers making a real impact across industries throughout the North East and beyond.

Persimmon Regional Chairman for the North East and Yorkshire, Chris Curry, was the college’s Honorary Award Winner, having began his career at Newcastle College as an apprentice himself.

Chris said: “It was an honour to receive this honorary award and to be recognised alongside so many fantastic award winners. When I started my career, I worked for three years as an apprentice joiner and then for three years as a joiner while Persimmon sponsored me to further my construction studies at Newcastle College.

“My career began at Newcastle College and we are proud to continue to support apprenticeships with Persimmon’s Skills Academy there, so the next generation can continue to excel at the college.

“I’m incredibly grateful to win this award and I am proud of our apprentices who were also recognised tonight.”

Persimmon were also commended by the college as it was named the Employer of the Year.

Clinching a third award, Persimmon apprentice joiner Skye Gallon, from Walker, took home the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year award.

Skye, who was nominated alongside Persimmon bricklayer apprentice, Charlie Smith, was celebrated at the awards for her work as an apprentice joiner at Persimmon.

Skye said: “I’m over the moon to win. I’ve loved my apprentice journey so far and awards like this are the icing on the cake.”

Michael Johnson, Persimmon Regional Apprentice Manager, said: “It’s brilliant for our staff and apprentices to be recognised this way, at such a prestigious event.

“These awards are a testament to the hard work Skye, Charlie and everyone at Persimmon, who works to nurture the next generation of talent, have put in. We’re proud to see Skye and Charlie’s efforts pay off.”