A HOUSEBUILDER has celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by donating bricks and construction materials to help students at an Andover college. 

Persimmon Home South Coast donated the materials to construction students at Sparsholt College Group’s, Andover Campus.

As a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, the donation forms part of Persimmon’s broader commitment to developing the next generation of construction workers in the areas it is working. Apprentices and full-time students based at Andover College’s Technology and Future Skills centre will be able to learn their trade using the latest construction materials, aiding their journey into the world of work.

With the cost of construction materials soaring, the donation will also help the college invest more money into its students. In getting ready to deliver new T Level qualifications starting this September, Andover College has incredibly ambitious plans to expand its existing construction facilities. The college is planning an investment of over £2m over the next few months, thanks to support from the Department for Education and Test Valley Borough Council.

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Suzanne Grant, deputy principal and deputy chief executive at Sparsholt College Group said: “We’re extremely grateful to Persimmon for their generosity and support. Our partnerships with employers are incredibly strong and this donation embodies that spirit of collaboration.

“The bricks and materials provided by Persimmon will make a real difference to our bricklaying and construction students. The combination of these partnerships, and our high-quality teaching, is why Andover College is so successful in helping students find a job in their chosen career.” 

Sharon Eckford, land and planning director at Persimmon South Coast added: “We’re delighted to be able to support Andover College with this donation and help inspire the next generation of apprentices and construction students.

“The skills and training provided by the college are excellent and we’re very much looking forward to working with them on their ambitious plans to make Andover College even better.” 

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Cllr Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council said he was pleased the materials would help students.

He added: “I was pleased to join Persimmon Homes for their brick donation to Andover College during National Apprenticeships Week and meet students learning their trade. 

“The college does a brilliant job in educating the next generation of construction workers and with the exciting £2m expansion plans, including a £240k contribution that Test Valley have unlocked from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund, I am certain the college will be able to do even more for young people.”