Welcomed by Persimmon East Scotland managing director Neil Parry and regional apprenticeship manager William Smith, Mr Cole-Hamilton met with apprentices on site to learn about their training and career progression.

Meanwhile in Fife, council leader Cllr David Ross visited Persimmon North Scotland’s Woodlea Park development in Dunfermline to meet the home builder’s apprentices and senior leadership team.

During their visit, Cllr Ross was welcomed by Persimmon North Scotland technical director Steven Streets and regional apprenticeship manager William Smith. They met several apprentices on site, gaining insight into their training and development.

A highlight of the visit was meeting Casey Gardner, a 19-year-old apprentice painter who is Persimmon’s first apprentice to live, work, and train in Fife, following a partnership between the homebuilder and Fife College. This initiative ensures that young people in the region have access to high-quality training opportunities close to home, supporting both career development and the local economy.

Persimmon, one of Scotland’s largest employers of craft construction apprentices, has set a new benchmark in the sector with its commitment to inclusivity. With 15% of its apprentices coming from diverse backgrounds—including adult upskillers, women, and those for whom English is a second language—the company is leading the industry’s efforts to break barriers and shape a workforce that better reflects modern Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, said: “I’d like to thank the apprentices for showing me around and telling me about their work.

“Apprenticeships offer a win-win for both the workforce and businesses. Scotland faces a serious shortage of affordable housing. Apprenticeships are a great way to develop the workforce of the future and ensure Scotland has the skills it needs.

“The young people I met were clear about the benefits in terms of developing skills while also getting hands on experience of the world of work. 

“For those thinking about their future career, or uncertain what to do next, apprenticeships provide an ideal opportunity to develop skills and experience.”

Councillor David Ross, leader of Fife Council, said: “I was delighted to visit the Persimmon development and speak with Casey, Nicky and Jamie, three local apprentices working on the site, as part of Apprenticeship Week.  They all had very different stories but they all obviously valued the chance to undertake an apprenticeship and showed exceptional enthusiasm for their work.

“It is vital that businesses operating in Fife are committed to providing apprenticeships, to help build the skilled workforce we need for the future. It was good to hear about how Persimmon are offering these training opportunities and about their partnership with Fife College.”

Scotland is currently facing a housing emergency, with rising demand for homes at an affordable level and a critical need for skilled construction professionals. Persimmon’s apprenticeship programme is helping to address this challenge by developing a workforce of the future that’s capable of delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

Neil Parry, Persimmon East Scotland managing director, said: “We were delighted to welcome Alex Cole-Hamilton to Burgh Gate and showcase the impressive work of our apprentices. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to celebrate the essential role apprentices play in our industry and the long-term opportunities available to them.

“We’re committed to supporting the next generation of construction professionals. By equipping apprentices with the skills and experience needed to thrive, we are helping to secure the future of the industry while also tackling the urgent need for more housing in Scotland.”

James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland managing director, added: “We were delighted to welcome Councillor Ross and Councillor Hamilton to our Woodlea Park development and showcase the fantastic work of our apprentices.

“Persimmon is investing in the next generation of skilled workers and Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to highlight the vital role apprentices play in the construction industry. As the largest home builder in Fife, we’re committed to developing the local workforce of the future.”