How we helped this March: Apprenticeships, Construction Careers and Community Impact

This month has been one of those where you step back and think… this is exactly why this work matters.

It’s been a mix of opening doors, creating opportunities, and supporting people to experience things they might not otherwise have access to, and it’s all been pretty special to be part of.

Supporting construction careers through real site experience

At Valley Park, we had the chance to welcome students from ACE Training onto site during National Apprenticeship Week and it’s always a highlight.

There’s something about stepping onto a live construction site that you just can’t replicate in a classroom.

The students took part in a talk and site tour led by Contracts Manager Lee Bell, getting a real feel for what a career in housebuilding actually looks like day to day.

But what made it even better was the chance to speak directly to people working in the trades.

There was two focused sessions:

• A carpentry-focused visit, where students spoke with G Tyzzer Carpentry

• A bricklaying-focused visit, led by Stenner Bricklaying

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Hearing directly from professionals in these trades gave students the opportunity to ask questions, hear real experiences, and get honest insights into their chosen paths in construction.

Those conversations are often the bit that sticks.

You can almost see the shift from “I’m learning about this” to“I could actually do this.”

And that’s the goal.

Investing in apprenticeships and skills development

It’s not just about what happens on site, either.

This month, Persimmon Homes also supported something a little different and really impactful, investing in apprenticeship development and wider life skills.

Renelec, who have been working with Projects Abroad, supported four Oxfordshire apprentices to travel to Tanzania and take part in a hands-on volunteering experience.

And when we say hands-on… we mean it.

From plumbing toilets at a local daycare school, to digging trenches and laying water pipes, to spending time with children by teaching basic English and getting involved in activities, it’s the kind of experience that stays with you.

This type of experience goes beyond technical skills. It supports:

• Confidence building

• Teamwork and communication

• Problem-solving in real-world environments

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Persimmon contributed £1,000 towards the initiative, helping make it possible for those apprentices to take part.

It’s a great example of how supporting people isn’t just about their role at work, it’s about helping them grow, build confidence, and experience the world in a different way. It shows how businesses can support apprenticeships, social mobility and global awareness through meaningful CSR activity.

Why this matters for employers and communities

When you look at both of these together, they might seem quite different. One is a site visit. The other is an international volunteering experience.

But whether it’s a construction site visit or an apprenticeship development opportunity, at the heart of both is the same thing: Opportunity.

Giving people access to experiences.Helping them see what’s possible.Supporting them to grow - in confidence, skills, and perspective.

It’s often those moments that have the biggest impact.

For employers, this is also a practical way to build a future workforce, promote careers in construction, and deliver meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Want to get involved?

If you’re a school, college or training provider interested in site visits, or an employer in construction or a related industry, offering even small opportunities can make a big difference.

This could include:

• Hosting site visits or workplace tours

• Supporting work experience placements

• Engaging with schools and colleges

• Mentoring or speaking at careers events

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These activities play a vital role in supporting early careers, apprenticeships and skills development.

Looking ahead

Creating opportunities like these doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need intention.

By continuing to connect education with indust

ry, we can help more young people find their path, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for the future.

If you’d like to be part of upcoming site visits, work experience opportunities or careers engagement activities, feel free to get in touch.