Member Article

TRAINEE’S SOLID FOUNDATIONS

A school leaver has had a meteoric rise to the top at a leading housebuilding firm after deciding that university wasn’t the route for him.

Billy Kettlewell was awarded Persimmon Homes’ most sought-after accolade, after being named the company’s Young Achiever of the year at an awards event this week.

Billy said: “It was quite daunting starting work with all your friends heading off to university, but I have learnt so much and the opportunities presented by the business have helped build solid foundations for my career.”

The 23-year-old from Bristol joined Persimmon Homes Severn Valley in 2011 on the Management Trainee Scheme at the age of 16. Since then he has built his career and is now a site manager at a popular development in Weston-Super-Mare.

He added: “It was a great honour to be recognised for my efforts in a job that I thoroughly enjoy.

“I’ve learnt so much with Persimmon, not only at college, but also with first-hand experience on site.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with different people on a day-to-day basis. The Persimmon team has been very supportive throughout my training and development.”

Billy was also named winner of the Duncan Davidson award, which seeks to recognise young people who have demonstrated the same entrepreneurial flair and spirit that Duncan demonstrated nearly 46 years ago, when Persimmon was founded.

Richard Latham, group HR director, said: “Our Young Achievers award programme was launched in 2014 to showcase apprentices and trainees who have gone above and beyond to succeed in their role.

“Billy’s achievements demonstrate the progression that working for a large organisation can present and the career opportunities available to young people with Persimmon Homes.

“Whilst working for the company for the last seven years, Billy has demonstrated a determination to succeed throughout his employment.

“Having proved himself as he continues to produce results, we now entrust Billy to train our new site managers. His hard work and positive outlook to his career is inspiring the next generation of Persimmon site managers. Junior members of staff truly aspire to have the same work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication to the role.”

The region’s managing director Steve Roche added: “Billy is a genuine asset to the business and we are very proud to see him recognised in this way.”

“He is a team player and a great communicator, purchasers are always complimentary of him. He has built up good working relationships with his colleagues and continues to be a valued member of the regional team. We can see a bright future for Billy at Persimmon Homes.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Natalie Moore .