We are strengthening our commitment to training the next generation of construction workers in East Anglia, as we celebrate the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

It has been announced today that we are recruiting four new construction apprentices in Suffolk, and a further four in Norfolk working for the Anglia business. 

The roles will be available from this summer and will see each business recruit two aspiring bricklayers and two carpentry students.

The announcement comes at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs through to Sunday 15 February. The annual event highlights the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, businesses, and the economy. 

Michelle Baker, Regional Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Suffolk and Anglia, said: “We are delighted to announce these new roles for this region. Apprenticeships allow young people to build skills and gain experience in a real-life environment, learning from talented trades on site. 

“With a national shortage of skilled tradespeople and a growing demand for new homes, we need to invest in training the next generation of construction workers so we can deliver the high-quality homes that are so greatly needed in East Anglia.” 

Latest research by the National House-building Council (NHBC) shows 22% of UK bricklayers are aged between 50 and 59, with a further 12% aged 60 plus. This means we could lose a third of our skilled workforce as they start to retire over the next decade, despite rising demand for new homes. 

The Suffolk  region is currently building out developments across the county with key sites in Bury St Edmunds, Hadleigh, Felixstowe, Haverhill and Eye, while Anglia has active sites around Norfolk including Great Yarmouth, Caister, Hethersett and Norwich.