West Nottinghamshire College has received a donation of 18,000 bricks from one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, helping to lay the foundations for what could become a major new partnership supporting the next generation of construction workers.
Representatives from Persimmon Homes and the college beside the generous brick donation.
The £30,000 worth of bricks donated by Persimmon Homes will provide students with valuable industry-standard materials on which to develop and practise their skills.
Representatives from Persimmon visited the college’s Station Park construction campus in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, on Thursday 24 September to officially mark the donation and meet students training for careers in the industry.
They were joined by Councillor Dale Grounds, chairman of Ashfield District Council, and Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Persimmon representatives to meet award-winning bricklaying apprentice Dale Wherton, whose achievements include being crowned the UK’s fastest bricklayer at the national Super Trowel competition.
Brickwork trainer Dale Wherton with Liam Spencer, Persimmon contracts manager for Nottingham.
The donation could represent just the beginning of the relationship between the college and Persimmon.
Discussions have already taken place around potential work placements for students, work experience programmes, property maintenance training, engagement with the Building Heroes programme and apprenticeship opportunities.
Both organisations are also keen to explore the possibility of developing a Midlands-based “Persimmon Academy” at the college as part of a longer-term partnership.
(Left to right) Michael Johnson, Persimmon regional apprenticeship manager, north east and York division, Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning and Liam Spencer, Persimmon contracts manager for Nottingham.
Andrew Cropley MBE, principal and chief executive at the college, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Persimmon Homes for this generous donation. Having access to high-quality materials makes an enormous difference to our construction students, enabling them to develop and practise their skills using the kinds of materials they will encounter in industry.
“But what makes this particularly exciting is the potential for the relationship to extend far beyond the donation itself.
“Creating clear routes from education into high-quality employment is at the heart of what we do, and our conversations with Persimmon have highlighted a number of ways in which we could work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students.
“We were particularly impressed by the company’s approach to apprenticeships and developing its future workforce, and its commitment to working closely with training providers to ensure young people remain supported and enthusiastic about both their learning and their careers.
“These bricks will be put to extremely good use, but we hope they are also the building blocks of a strong and lasting partnership between the college and Persimmon.”
During the visit, Persimmon representatives spent time talking to construction students about their college experience, the skills they are developing and their ambitions for the future.
Michael Johnson, regional apprenticeship manager at Persimmon Homes, said: “It was a pleasure to visit the college and spend time with its staff and students.
“We were genuinely impressed by what the college is creating and the passion and commitment shown by everyone we met. It is fantastic to see the way it is championing the construction industry and investing in the next generation of talent.
“We are delighted to support the college through the donation of bricks, which we hope will help students hone their practical skills as they learn.
“We can also see significant potential for further collaboration and are keen to explore how we can work together to create meaningful opportunities for learners. The prospect of developing a longer-term partnership presents an exciting opportunity for both organisations.”
Level 1 Intermediate Bricklaying student Rio Bilton-Caller at work with some of the donated bricks.
Councillor Dale Grounds said: “It was fantastic to visit this campus and see first-hand the impact of Persimmon’s incredible donation.
“This is about so much more than bricks; it is an investment in young people, practical skills and the future of our construction industry.
“Having access to real materials gives students the opportunity to learn, practise and develop the skills they need in a real-world environment. Partnerships like this show what can be achieved when businesses and education work together to create opportunities for local young people.”
Councillor Matthew Relf said: “It is great to see Persimmon Homes supporting West Nottinghamshire College in this way.
“Ashfield District Council and partners such as the college have been working incredibly hard to transform local skills facilities and provision, giving local people the best possible opportunities to find fulfilling and rewarding careers.
“Support from private-sector companies such as Persimmon helps to strengthen those efforts, while also supporting the next generation of skilled workers that industry needs.”
The bricks, manufactured by Persimmon’s own in-house brickmaking operation, will now be used by learners undertaking practical construction training at the college.
The donation follows Persimmon representatives’ earlier visit to the college’s construction facilities, including its new Portland Square campus in Sutton-in-Ashfield, where initial discussions began about developing a wider partnership.
Employment Skills in Brickwork student Lacie Penk ensuring her levels are correct on her brick wall.