Persimmon encourages young women to consider construction career
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Pictured: Chantelle Muir
Persimmon Homes’ first-ever female apprentice has encouraged more young women to consider a career in construction.
The housebuilder is celebrating the achievements of its female apprentices to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which coincides with Women in Construction Week.
Chantelle Muir, 24, from Ayr, broke the glass ceiling at Persimmon Homes and has since been followed by others.
Training as a bricklayer at Ayrshire College, Chantelle has collected multiple awards and made history as the first female to reach the podium at the UK final of SkillBuild, competing against Britain’s top bricklayers.
Casey Gardner, 20, from Dunfermline, is a painting and decorating apprentice at Fife College.
In just seven months, she has already won the Scottish Painting and Decorating Association competition and the Scottish Association of Painting Craft Teachers top award, even restoring a sculpture on Kirkcaldy’s Esplanade.
Leni Ross, 19, from Dundee, is a bricklaying apprentice at Dundee and Angus College, following in Chantelle’s footsteps and helping inspire the next generation of women in construction.
The three apprentices recently met on site to share their journeys and celebrate their achievements, demonstrating that women can lead, excel, and innovate in an industry historically dominated by men.
Pictured: Chantelle Muir, Casey Gardner and Leni Ross
Chantelle said: “Being Persimmon’s first female apprentice was just the start. I want every young woman who dreams of a career in construction to know it’s possible – and that you can be better than anyone expects.”
William Smith, senior regional apprenticeship manager at Persimmon Homes, added: “Chantelle, Casey, and Leni show that determination and talent have no gender. They’re inspiring the next generation and proving that apprenticeships open doors for anyone ready to take the leap.
“Celebrating them during Scottish Apprenticeship Week and Women in Construction Week is a chance to shine a light on the amazing opportunities in this industry.”
Persimmon Homes continues to invest in apprenticeships across Scotland, providing hands-on experience and career pathways for young people while delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local communities.
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