Partner Article

Housebuilder names top young achievers

Two ambitious young employees have been named by Persimmon Homes as the company’s top trainees in the Midlands region.

Apprentice carpenter Michael O’Connor from Northampton and Assistant Buyer Ryan Coyle from Lutterworth were both selected for the national housebuilder’s Young Achievers Awards.

Persimmon Midlands managing director Richard Oldroyd said: “We manage a robust apprentice programme taking more than 100 young people into the business nationally each year.

“We feel it is important to recognise those youngsters who have got their careers off to a flying start with Persimmon Homes, and Michael and Ryan are perfect examples of this.”

Michael, 21, who works on sites across the Midlands, was nominated as the region’s Trade Apprentice of the Year after demonstrating continuous commitment to his training and earning the respect of colleagues on site.

His manager, Andy Annetts, said: “Michael’s work, in and out of college, is of a high standard and we receive nothing but positive feedback from his tutors. He has also been nominated by Moulton College for a national apprenticeship award. He’s a perfect apprentice and we have great expectations for his future.”

Ryan is based at the company’s Northampton headquarters and was singled out by manager Kevin Johnson for recognition. The 21-year-old was a finalist for the company’s Duncan Davidson Award, named after Persimmon’s founder, missing out on the national title to a colleague from Scotland.

Kevin said: “Ryan has been an outstanding asset to the business, progressing quickly from a trainee and helping to support the buying team through a challenging year.

“He has been competently managing six sites, alongside his studies where he has passed his National Housebuilding Council qualifications with distinction – a fantastic achievement. He has the energy and desire to progress within the business and continue making a difference to the company.”

The Young Achievers award programme was created by Persimmon Homes to showcase those apprentices and sales trainees who have gone above and beyond to succeed in their role.

The housebuilder believes it’s important to invest in its young workforce, with the chief executive, Jeff Fairburn, placing emphasis on the role trainees can play in the business’s future as he himself started in the construction industry as a 17-year-old apprentice quantity surveyor.

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Garbett .