Member Article

Apprentice nominated for national contest

A 17-year-old apprentice with Persimmon Homes East Midlands has been given a huge pat on the back after being nominated for a national competition.

Ashton Quince, from Wisbech, is an apprentice carpenter/joiner with the builder.

As part of his extensive training he attends Peterborough Regional College every Tuesday to study for an NVQ Level Two as part of his joinery course.

The college is so impressed by the youngster that they have nominated him for the national SkillBuild competition. Run by CITB, it is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices, covering ten craft occupations.

Ashton, who started with Persimmon Homes East Midlands last September, will compete in the regional heat in Norwich on June 5.

He said: “I am very excited about the whole thing and am really looking forward to June. It is a real honour to be nominated and I feel that my college and Persimmon Homes have noticed me and what I am doing, which is a nice feeling.”

Ashton, who went to Neale Wade Community College, added: “I studied construction at school and thought carpentry was the best part and I really enjoyed it. When I saw the apprenticeship at Persimmon Homes, I knew they were a big company and I knew they had a lot to offer, so I was delighted when I was given the role.

“I really enjoy it and am very happy with everything. The guys on the construction site have made me feel really welcome,” added Ashton, who is based at Cardea, a development with three and four-bedroom homes surrounded by open space, attractive walkways and cycle paths.

Nikki Wasey, apprenticeship officer- COWA, Isle, Huntingdon and Peterborough Regional College, said: “He has done incredibly well to be nominated because he is only in his first year. He is an amazing apprentice and is really good at what he does.

“He is very dedicated and worked hard to get the apprenticeship he wanted. He has a nice attitude and the feedback we get from everyone about him is fantastic. He is a really lovely lad, so polite and a real team player on site.”

Cheryl Bissett, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said: “We strongly believe in investing in the future by taking on apprentices and growing our own talent.

“We already know that Ashton is a great apprentice and doing really well with us. It is fantastic to know that others think the same of him and we wish him the best of luck for June. He works very hard and deserves to do well.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .