REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore attended the Home Builders Federation (HBF) Home Building Skills Reception, to highlight the need for skilled workers to meet the Government’s target of 1.5million new homes by 2029.
Mr Bloore met with Persimmon Homes apprentice Jack Anderson to discuss the importance of training opportunities in the sector.
Jack is at the start of his carpentry career and is completing his Level 2 qualification at Heart of Worcestershire College while gaining hands-on experience at Persimmon’s The View site in Redditch.
Persimmon Homes works closely with local schools and colleges to showcase the range of careers available in construction and has 274 apprentices nationally.
The housebuilder has an award-winning on-site training hub in partnership with Bridgend College and has recently launched a similar partnership in Newcastle.
These schemes aim to address the high drop-out rate of around 50 per cent from construction-related courses by strengthening links between colleges and the industry.
Speaking about his apprenticeship, Jack said: “Doing an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn on the job while working towards my qualification.
“I’m gaining valuable experience every day, which will set me up for my future career.”
Mr Bloore said: “It was great to meet Jack in Parliament and hear first-hand how much he enjoys and the skills he is developing during his apprenticeship with Persimmon.
“I was so impressed by Jack, he is on the frontline, helping to build the homes for the next generation whilst embarking on an exciting new career.
“By working with local schools and colleges to showcase such professions, Persimmon is showcasing a range of careers they may never have considered, and their on-site training hubs mean we’re building the workforce we need for the future. “
