Mayor for West Yorkshire Backs Persimmon’s Target 50 Initiative

Tracy Brabin, Mayor for West Yorkshire has joined calls urging young people receiving their A-Level and GCSE results to consider an apprenticeship as the next step on their learning and career path.

Mayor Brabin was speaking on a visit to meet some Persimmon Homes apprentices in West Yorkshire who told the Mayor of the enjoyment and fulfilment their own apprenticeships have provided.

Speaking of Persimmon’s Target 50 initiative, Tracy Brabin, Mayor for West Yorkshire said: “This absolutely chimes with everything that I want to achieve as the mayor.”

“We need greater diversity on building sites, because these are great jobs, well paid, you get training, and also the world is your oyster because you can go through all the ranks up to very senior positions.”

Katelyn Davison, a bricklaying apprentice with Persimmon Homes said: “My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn so many new skills and work with lots of new people. Every day is different and you get so much satisfaction from making things happen and completing a job.”

Katie Duggan, a Persimmon Homes carpentry apprentice said: “I would definitely encourage young people to consider an apprenticeship. For any girls in particular considering an apprenticeship in construction I would say go for it!”

Karl Wiseman, Regional Managing Director for Persimmon Homes said: “Any young people weighing up their options should certainly look at the opportunities that apprenticeships and other vocational routes provide.

“Young people are absolutely vital to shaping the future of construction with apprenticeships providing a rewarding route to a wide range of exciting, varied and well paid careers.”

“Construction is crying out for fresh new talent, now more than ever, which is why as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, we continue to build upon the 600 apprentices and trainees we currently have and launched our Target 50 initiative to take on another 50 female apprentices in construction facing roles this year.”