As the housing industry is increasingly being identified as a key indicator to economic recovery, one of the region’s leading builders is investing in skills to respond to local demand – with award-winning results.
Persimmon Homes Anglia is recruiting trainees and apprentices, giving career opportunities to young people in Suffolk and Norfolk, and ensuring the business has the skilled staff it needs to continue to expand in the region.
Alison Page, head of sales and marketing at Persimmon Homes Anglia, said: “Here at Persimmon Homes we recognise that having the best workforce in the industry is vital to our success.
“We are committed to offering great career opportunities and ensuring every member of staff is trained to give the best possible service in every role they do.
“Sales trainee Lucy Woodhall is a shining example of this.”
Twenty-year-old Lucy joined Persimmon Homes almost two years ago and has undergone a rigorous training programme. She is now based at one of the company’s new homes development and recently had her hard work rewarded with an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award from Lowestoft College.
Lucy said: “I joined Persimmon when I was just turning 19. I had three really intensive interviews and it was a massive achievement to secure the role of sales trainee.
“I spent the first 18 months at the Anglia head office in Lowestoft, gaining an understanding of the business and how a house builder operates. And there was a lot to learn!
“I was able to work with all the different departments, find out what they did and understand how each of them contributes to the company’s success.
“I’ve been on sales advisor training days and even had a day with AshtonKCJ solicitors in Norwich, learning all about the legal process of buying a house – from reservation to exchange of contracts and completion of the sale – so I can properly help customers.
“I have received in-house training and also done college courses. Probably the highlight of my year has been winning an outstanding achievement award from Lowestoft College for the work I did for my Business and Administration NVQ and next I am going to study for Customer Service qualifications.”
Lucy’s college award citation describes her as a ‘bright and confident young lady with real potential’. She is praised for her mature and professional attitude and being a positive role model for other students.
Since April Lucy has been based at one of Persimmon’s new homes developments, Weaver’s Meadow, in Hadleigh.
She said: “I am absolutely loving being on site! I am very much a people person, so this is definitely where I want to be.
“I’m learning so much from the senior sales staff and really enjoy the contact with customers. Helping people to find and move into the home of their dreams is what we are all about.
“I am really grateful to Persimmon Homes for the opportunity to start my career with them and I would thoroughly recommend the housing industry to other young people coming out of school or college.”
Alison Page added: “We have been very impressed with Lucy’s drive and ambition. She is a real asset to Persimmon Homes and we hope to recruit many more young people like her.
“As well as sales training, there are opportunities to become a Persimmon bricklaying or carpentry apprentice, learning a valuable trade and building a career for the future.”
Anyone interested in careers with Persimmon Homes Anglia can find out more at the company’s recruitment website, www.persimmonjobs.com
Persimmon Homes Anglia currently has developments in Hoveton, Cringleford, Wymondham, Diss, Hadleigh and Ipswich, with new sites due to open in Norwich, Brundall and Diss. For more information please visit www.persimmonhomes.com