Persimmon Homes mark International Women’s Day with the launch of its Target 50 initiative, which will recruit 50 female construction apprentices across the country
Over 30 women have already started their construction apprenticeships or higher training courses with Persimmon and more are due to join throughout the course of the year.
Madi Pilgrim director of talent and diversity said Persimmon was focussing on increasing gender diversity in areas where there is a lower number of female employees in non-traditional roles.
Recognise the contribution of women who work for Persimmon
Madi Pilgrim said: “On International Women’s Day, I am delighted to recognise the contribution and achievements of all the women who work for Persimmon, and I am also excited to announce our Target 50 challenge.
“There is no doubt that welcoming 50 female apprentices or technical trainees into construction-related roles this year is a stretching target, but we are fully committed to achieving the goal.
“The construction industry has started to change in recent years but progress has been slow. We know there is much more to do in inspiring a wider pool of talent into the industry to address the skills gaps the sector faces and to build an innovative, inclusive and sustainable workforce in the long term.
“This initiative links directly to our ambition to have a workforce which is more reflective of the customers we serve and the communities we build in.”
‘Being a female in construction is challenging yet richly stimulating’
Lynn Johnson, 53-year-old trainee assistant site manager working at Persimmon’s Douglas Gardens site in Preston, opted for a change in career after 30 years working with Persimmon in sales.
Lynn is part of the Target 50 initiative. She said: “Being a female in construction is challenging yet richly stimulating. I’m really loving my new job role and it’s brilliant to be learning something new every day.
“The apprenticeship and hard work will bring you a vocational qualification and will open doors to great opportunities and a rewarding career.”
Millie Slack is an apprentice quantity surveyor working in the North Midlands area. She said: “I’ve found coming into the construction industry a lot easier than I originally thought before joining Persimmon Homes.
“Construction is known as a male dominated industry, but I wouldn’t let this put me off. I wanted to come in and show that I’m just as capable as anyone else.”
