Since employing apprentices in 1972, the housebuilder has developed generations of tradespeople who are addressing the national skills shortage needed to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency. 

Apprenticeships are cutting costs and raising build quality while strengthening diversity and driving social mobility. 

More than 80% of Persimmon’s most-recent intake are from Scotland’s 10% most deprived areas and 15% are from under-represented groups, including women, career changers and those for whom English is a second language. 

The latest cohort includes a 51-year-old fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a bricklayer, alongside female apprentices smashing stereotypes and gaining national recognition. Four of Persimmon’s six female apprentices faced barriers entering construction yet now act as advocates for construction careers. 

Persimmon senior regional apprenticeship manager William Smith said: “Apprenticeships are fundamental to our business and they’re more important than ever. Apprenticeships aren’t about filling roles, they’re life-changing opportunities that build the people who will carry the industry forward.” 

Persimmon employs 49 Modern Apprentices across joinery and carpentry, roofing, bricklaying, and painting and decorating within a 600-strong Scottish workforce. 

With a 97% completion and retention rate over the last four years, apprentices are offered permanent roles within the business and can quickly progress. Two former apprentices have progressed to Operations Director roles, and 77% of senior managers are internal hires. 

Persimmon offers industry-leading pay above the national minimum, provides over £500 worth of tools and supports personal development.  

William said: “We see apprentices as individuals, not numbers, and that personal approach delivers real, lasting impact.  

“One apprentice in Stirling was so proud of his workmanship that he went on to buy a home he helped build, while a Fife apprentice used her pay progression to take her first holiday abroad. Our confidence in the quality of training is such that the Apprenticeship Manager’s new home in Ayrshire is being built by apprentices.  

“This culture of support and opportunity was exemplified by an apprentice who moved to Scotland from the Philippines at the age of 12, overcame language barriers, and was named Apprentice of the Year.” 

Persimmon partners with the Construction Industry Training Board and 15 colleges across Scotland. Apprentices combine their studies with four years on site, with up to eight face-to-face reviews a year, twice the industry standard. They learn modern methods including solar panels, heat pumps and ground-source systems, supporting Persimmon’s net zero by 2040 target. Extra support includes a bespoke handbook, mental health training and mentoring. 

A culture where everyone’s voice matters has enabled apprentices to shape the business. When an apprentice raised concerns about low temperatures and lighting on site that affected paint quality and timescales, her suggestions were implemented immediately across the company. 

William said: “Apprentices are at the heart of our business, and senior management regularly ask them for ideas on how we can improve the way we work which are implemented across our group.”  

The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks, celebrates apprentices, employers and learning providers from across the country and a wide range of sectors. 

Award categories recognise the achievements of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices, as well as the organisations who champion and support apprenticeships.

The awards, organised by Skills Development Scotland, will be held at a ceremony taking place in Glasgow on 26 February, when category winners will be announced before the overall winner is named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.

Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson, said: “Scottish Apprenticeships are excellent opportunities for young people, offering sustainable and rewarding employment.  

“Congratulations to all Scottish Apprenticeship Awards finalists – career journeys that are fantastic examples of the positive impact apprenticeships have on people, business and society.”

The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards will help to launch Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 2 to 6 March.