Jamie Hepburn MSP visited Persimmon’s Fairfields development in Monkton, where he met nine of the company’s bricklaying and joinery apprentices and heard how they are developing their skills and gaining valuable experience of the construction sector.

Persimmon had a record number of apprentices in Scotland in September this year, with 43 across their developments. Those apprentices are undertaking a mixture of bricklaying, joinery and roofing modern apprenticeship frameworks and include young people and adults upskilling – as well as three new female apprentices.

While the industry as a whole has slowly been making progress in building a more diverse workforce, there is still a long way to go. That is why Persimmon is leading the way with an ambition to recruit 50 female apprentices or technical trainees into construction-related roles across the UK.

During the visit, the minister also met with the Persimmon team to discuss the important role that apprentices play within the business, as well as the wider opportunities and challenges currently facing the sector.

Jamie Hepburn MSP said: “It has been hugely encouraging to meet these young people and see the important role they are fulfilling at this development which will provide homes in this community for generations to come.

“I would like to thank Persimmon for the opportunity they are providing to these apprentices. It will play a significant part in developing our future workforce.

“Construction is one of Scotland’s key industries and the skills these young people are acquiring now will help drive our future economic recovery.”

Billie Murray, a first-year bricklaying apprentice, said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far – I’ve been made to feel part of the team right away and getting hands-on, practical experience means you pick up new skills really quickly.

“It was great to talk to the minister about some of the things I’ve already learned and about how we can encourage more young women to consider a career in construction.”

Alan Prickett, Persimmon’s regional construction director, said: “We were delighted to introduce the Minister to some of our brilliant apprentices and give him the chance to see the excellent work they’re doing as they develop their skills.

“In recent years we’ve consistently been one of the largest employers of bricklaying apprentices in Scotland and this year we reached a record 43 apprentices across our bricklaying, joinery and roofing frameworks.

“We’re also working hard to increase the diversity of our apprentices and we’re delighted that this year’s intake includes three new female apprentices. We’re committed to providing exciting opportunities in our sector for everybody within the communities in which we build.”