Persimmon help build next generation of construction workers brick by brick at Truro & Penwith College

24 October 2022

We have recently strengthened our relationship with Truro and Penwith College through a donation of 10,000 bricks to support the training of the next generation of construction workers.

The donation was marked with an event at the Truro Campus’ state-of-the-art construction facilities on Friday, hosted by Persimmon’s Managing Director, Adam Church, and representatives from the College.

 

They were joined by Cornwall Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr David Harris, and several of the College’s construction apprentices, who will benefit from the high-quality materials as they learn their trade and hone the skills required for a successful career in the industry.

 

The bricks, enough to build a three-bedroom house, will be used by students at both the Truro and Penwith sites, and forms part of Persimmon’s commitment to develop the next generation of Cornish construction workers.

 

Commenting on the donation, Richard Billington, Construction Programme Team Leader at Truro College, said:

 

“I want to pay a huge thank you to Persimmon Homes for its incredibly generous donation of bricks to support the learning and development of our students.

 

“The bricks will allow students training in our state-of-the-art, industry-standard construction facilities even more opportunities to hone their skills, and develop that all-important experience which will form the foundation of their careers as they transfer their craft to site, and offer a quality supply of talent to Cornwall’s construction industry”.

 

Persimmon currently have 21 local apprentices in the Cornwall and West Devon region, with four attending Truro and Penwith College.

 

Over the past five years, Persimmon has built over 1,500 new homes in the region, creating and supporting over 7,300 jobs in construction and the various supply chains.

 

The company’s housing footprint has delivered around £20m worth of benefit to communities and local authorities in the region through new council tax receipts, section 106 and community infrastructure levy contributions.

 

Welcoming the partnership with the College, Adam Church, Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon, said:

 

“Truro and Penwith College is an outstanding teaching college with superb facilities for students looking to embark on a career in construction.

 

“The demand for new housing for local people in Cornwall is well known, and as a local business it’s vital we support local construction students to maintain and develop a talented and diverse workforce.

 

“Persimmon is proud of our record developing the next generation of Cornish construction workers, and we believe our partnership with Truro and Penwith will further promote the many exciting careers the industry has to offer.

 

“We want local workers building homes for local people in Cornwall, and if we can develop more apprentices the pipeline of talent at Persimmon and our ability to meet the local housing demand will only go from strength to strength.”

 

Truro and Penwith College is one of the leading College institutions in the UK, and was awarded ‘Outstanding’ status by by Ofsted in its latest inspection.

 

The College has been selected by the Department for Education as Cornwall’s only provider of pioneering, new T Level qualifications, which offer learners 45-days of work experience while learning in the College’s industry standard facilities.

 

The T Levels enhance a substantial offer of seven apprenticeship programmes and fifteen vocational construction courses delivered across both campuses, all of which have been designed in partnership with employers to safeguard a quality supply of talent into Cornwall’s thriving construction sector. 

 

Cllr David Harris, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Councillor and local councillor for Gloweth, Malabar & Shortlanesend, said:

 

“I was delighted to be present at my local college in Truro to receive the kind donation of bricks from Persimmon, which will help this outstanding college continue its fine work.

 

“Truro has a proud history and strong track of record of providing apprentices of the highest calibre to local companies in Cornwall and Persimmon’s donation will only strengthen the learning experience, and in the long-term fill the skills gap and provide a strong pipeline of local workers for the industry.

 

“I wish all the students well in their future careers building much-needed homes for local people in Cornwall.”