Newcastle College Partners with Region's Largest Housebuilder to Launch Persimmon Academy

Newcastle College has joined forces with national housebuilder Persimmon to officially launch the Persimmon Academy.

Local MP Chi Onwurah officially opened the Academy in November alongside Persimmon Regional Chairman Chris Curry and Principal of Newcastle College Jon Ridley.

The Persimmon Academy will provide bricklaying, joinery and roofing provision for apprentices, who will be supported by Persimmon's dedicated Regional Apprentice Manager, Michael Johnson. With more than 12,000 students at Newcastle College, the partnership aims to help address the region's skills gap and provide the skilled workforce of the future.

Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, said: “I enjoyed visiting Newcastle College recently to see the new bricklaying and joinery academy that is being delivered in partnership with Persimmon Homes. It is great to see opportunities being made available to our local young people of all backgrounds, helping to close the skills gap. I hope it encourages young people in the North East to consider a career in construction.

“I particularly enjoyed talking to some of the male and female apprentices who were very passionate about their courses. I look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.”

Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College added: “We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Persimmon Homes, which will support the development of the next generation of skilled tradespeople here in the North East.

“As one of the region’s anchor institutions, developing a skilled workforce for the future is at the heart of Newcastle College.  Working in partnership with Persimmon, we will continue to deliver industry leading apprenticeships and skills development for our region’s construction industry, and ensure our students gain the skills, knowledge and experience they will need to flourish in their future career."

Chris Curry, Persimmon Regional Chairman North East and Yorkshire Division, added: “I am delighted to launch the Persimmon Academy in partnership with Newcastle College. Located in the heart of the city, the Persimmon Academy provides an excellent space for apprentices to develop their skills and learn their craft.

“At Persimmon we are fully committed to providing our apprentices with a strong foundation for future success in the construction industry and this partnership with Newcastle College helps us to achieve just that.”