The latest intake of 12 new apprentices has seen the total number hit 45 on Persimmon sites across the country.

The apprentices are undertaking a mixture of bricklaying, joinery, roofing, and painting and decorating modern apprenticeship frameworks and include young people as well as adults upskilling.

The latest cohort of 12 apprentices met in West Lothian this week as they completed their final preparations for taking their first steps into the construction industry. Welcoming the next generation of construction professionals, West Lothian Council’s Convenor of Education, Cllr Andrew McGuire, took time to talk to the new starters about the value of their apprenticeship and the importance of house building sector in West Lothian and across the country.

The new recruits include the company’s first female painting and decorating apprentice – who joins three other female apprentices already gaining skills and experience on Persimmon sites – as well as long-term members of staff who are upskilling to take on a new trade.

Councillor Andrew McGuire, West Lothian Council convenor of education, said: “It was wonderful to meet Persimmon’s new apprentices. The commitment Persimmon has shown to their apprentice scheme in recent years is nothing short of excellent and they should be commended for the care and support they show to new staff.

“It’s also great to hear about the diversification of apprentice schemes on offer. I wish all apprentices best wishes as they undertake their new roles.”

John Roocroft, Persimmon’s regional chair, added: “We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of construction professionals to the business and the fact we’ve reached a record 45 apprentices this year shows our commitment to increasing the number – and improving the diversity – of our apprentices.

“We work closely with local construction colleges across the country to ensure that young people with the ambition and attitude needed to succeed in the industry are given a platform to do so.

“This year we’ve added painting and decorating to the bricklaying, roofing and joinery apprenticeships we offer and it’s great to see more people than ever developing valuable skills and experience on our sites.”