Member Article

Investing in skills to build on success.

Persimmon Homes South East has continued its investment in the future by taking on four new trainees.

The leading house builder is keen to build on its success by appointing talented people to work at its busy new developments across the region.

The latest new recruits are Chelsie Butler, Nicole Brockett, Sophie Keulemans and Laura Crampton.

Jo Richards, head of sales and marketing at Persimmon Homes South East, said: “It has been an exciting period in our region with popular developments at Dartford, Ashford, Manston and Hellingly, and more coming soon.

“To ensure the ongoing success of the company, we have made key appointments to strengthen our sales teams – and we continue to recruit, ensuring we invest in the skills we need to grow the business.

“I’m really pleased with our new recruits, who are all showing promising signs of successful careers within the construction industry.”

Sophie, 22 and from Maidstone, started with Persimmon in July as a trainee sales advisor at the Wesley Field development in Ashford, Kent.

She heard about the job from her mum Claire Keulemans, who works in Persimmon South East’s head office in Maidstone.

Sophie said: “I was working in retail on make-up counters but there wasn’t much chance of progression in that line of work.

“I decided on a career change and this was something which really appealed to me. I’ve settled in well and I’ve worked at a few different developments, which has helped with my learning.

“Wesley Field is very busy and I’m hoping to learn the ropes and progress within the company.”

Laura, from Leybourne, Kent, started work as a trainee sales advisor at the Redwood Place development, which comes under the Hillreed Homes brand, in July.

“I had worked in retail for eight years but fancied a change of scenery,” said the 27-year-old. “My partner does the same job for another company, so I knew a little of what to expect.

“I’m really enjoying it. My customer service background has helped with interacting with house hunters.

“The training at Persimmon is excellent. I’m learning about each step of the buying process and I’m already onto the completions stage.”

Chelsie, meanwhile, started her training to be a sales advisor in October last year. She is splitting her time between the head office and on site at developments.

The 25-year-old from Maidstone said: “I worked as a care assistant at a nursing home for two-and-a-half years while at university. When I finished my course I wanted something to sink my teeth into and the opportunity arose with Persimmon.

“I’m really enjoying it. Spending time on site and at head office has been really helpful because it gives you a good overview of the business and how it all works.”

Chelsie was named as the region’s Sales Trainee of the Year in Persimmon’s national Young Achievers awards programme.

Aspiring sales advisor Nicole is being put through her paces at The Poppies, a Hillreed Homes site in West Malling, Kent.

“I was working in a travel agency previously,” said the 20-year-old from Sittingbourne. “My mum works for Persimmon as a sales advisor and spotted the job being advertised and I went for it.

“I’m really enjoying it and have learnt so much already.”

For job opportunities with the Persimmon Plc group, visit www.persimmonjobs.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Garbett .