A housebuilder has given 20,000 bricks to two Cumbrian colleges to help build the next generation of industry workers.
Persimmon Homes donated the bricks – enough to build two three-bedroom house – to Carlisle College and Lakes College, Lillyhall, for students and apprentices to use as part of their training.
Carlisle principal Sarah McGrath, John Stevenson, Carlisle MP, construction apprentices received its 10,000 bricks from representatives from Persimmon Homes.
Ms McGrath said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous donation and support shown by Persimmon Homes. This visit has provided a great opportunity to discuss training needs and how we can work together to meet the demand of local workforces whilst training the next generation of construction workers.”
Mr Stevenson added: “I am delighted to be here to see how this donation will support the practical aspects of the training of students in the construction industry. This will undoubtedly strengthen the relationship between employers and skills providers putting emphasis on the skills both valued by employers and needed for real jobs.”
At Lakes College, principal Chris Nattress, with apprentices, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson and Mark Fryer, leader of the new Cumberland Council, received the 10,000-brick donation.
Mr Nattress said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Persimmon Homes and are thrilled with their very kind donation of bricks to support our construction students and apprentices.
“Partnerships with key employers in the construction industry are vital to the work we do in developing the diverse talent construction in Cumbria needs and generous donations such as this are an important part of helping develop the stars of the future.”
Mr Fryer said: “Lakes College have a fantastic history of turning our young people into the construction workforce of the future. That future seems stronger than ever with the new developments on the civil side and partnerships with the private sector such as this.”
Mr Jenkinson added: “It is great to see our education providers working with business. It is important that training providers are providing the skilled workforce that is required locally. This engagement with business will ensure that our local skills needs are met and our local economy is strengthened.”
John Roocroft, regional managing director for Persimmon Homes Lancashire & Scotland, added: “With the need for new housing well documented, we know how important it is to support construction students and help develop a diverse, talented workforce for the years ahead.
“We are particularly proud of our links to local colleges and helping young people across the region to develop the skills they need to pursue one of the many exciting careers that housebuilding has to offer.”
