Record intake of apprentices starts at Ayrshire College

Apprentices begin studies at Ayrshire College as partnership with housebuilder reaches 15 trainees – Persimmon’s largest in Scotland

Five new apprentices are beginning their studies at Ayrshire College last week as part of Persimmon Homes’ industry-leading training programme.

Joiners Davy Mutch and Daniel McNally, and bricklayers Cole Whiteford, Brandon Dekker and Lennon Boyd, have already been gaining hands-on experience on Persimmon construction sites across Ayrshire. Their training will now be combined with time spent at Ayrshire College, strengthening the house builder’s partnership with the region’s leading construction college.

The intake brings the total number of Persimmon apprentices at Ayrshire College to 15, the highest of any of the 15 colleges the company partners with across Scotland.

To complete their apprenticeship, apprentices undertake the Professional Development Award at college on a block release basis over two years, complemented by on-site assessment of their SVQ.

William Smith, Persimmon’s Senior Regional Apprenticeship Manager, said “It’s fantastic to see Davy, Daniel, Cole, Brandon and Lennon progressing their careers with Persimmon and Ayrshire College. They’ve already shown real enthusiasm and skill on our sites across Ayrshire, and now they’ll build on that with the time spent at Ayrshire College that will take them to the next level. This partnership with Ayrshire College is hugely important to us, and it’s brilliant to reach 15 apprentices here – our biggest intake at any college in Scotland.”

Angela Cox, Principal of Ayrshire College added “We are delighted to welcome this record intake of Persimmon apprentices to Ayrshire College. Our partnership with Persimmon Homes is a fantastic example of how industry and education can work together to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. By combining time spent in college with hands-on experience, this partnership not only prepares our students for successful careers but also strengthens Ayrshire’s workforce and community. We are proud to play a part in shaping the future of our region through opportunities like this.”

Persimmon is one of Scotland’s largest providers of construction apprenticeships, working with more training colleges than any other house builder. Last year the company supported 49 apprentices across Scotland, including six female apprentices, with industry-leading pay and a wide range of trades from bricklaying and joinery to roofing and painting.