A former Forth Valley College Modern Apprentice bricklayer has become the first graduate of a new fresh and dynamic training approach taken by one of Britain’s biggest house builders – Persimmon Homes.
Daniel Courtney (23) from Bainsford in Falkirk completed his modern apprenticeship in bricklaying at the end of 2021 and hopes to inspire and encourage more young people to think about apprenticeships at the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 (7-11 March). Daniel is now under contract with the huge construction firm who have 41 active sites operating in the Central Scotland area and across Scotland.
With the backing of his lecturers at Forth Valley College and his Regional Apprenticeship Manager (Scotland) at Persimmon Homes Scotland – William Smith – he was able to plot a course through the four years of his MA, despite the challenges of the pandemic lockdown restrictions and remote learning.
He was also able to create a groundbreaking photo and video led portfolio of his work skills during that time, which gained plaudits and has been held up as the benchmark which bricklaying MAs at Persimmon Homes and FVC should aim for in order to complete their training.
He, said: “I am proud of the work I put into my portfolio template and glad it is now seen as a bit of a template for others. Forth Valley College was the nearest College to where I live, so I chose to study there. The facilities within the Falkirk Campus are well coordinated and easy to find and the lecturers are very helpful and easy to learn from.
“The experience of studying there has benefited me as I have been able complete my apprenticeship in bricklaying. It also helps you move the next step in your career, as depending on your progress through the course, your employer and FVC might put you forward for higher management/lecturer opportunities.
“I would recommend the College to anyone who lives locally as it is extremely handy for traveling purposes and I would recommend the Modern Apprenticeship scheme to everyone, as bricklayers are highly sought after and are guaranteed continuous work in the current economic climate and the years ahead. Qualifying as a bricklayer can lead to students gaining full time jobs, qualifications and trades that can last them for the rest of their lives.
“The best bit for me has been the practical part of my apprenticeship - building walls, garden walls, arches, curved walls, chimneys etc.”
Summing up his experience at Forth Valley College in three words, Daniel, said: “Absolutely great experience!”
Persimmon Homes have a regular annual turnover of over £3Billion with 36 craft apprentices at any one time working towards their MA completion in Scotland. They will be recruiting nine new craft apprentices this year and beyond north of the border.
Last year they appointed William Smith who had previously worked for 33 years as Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Area Manager - as Regional Apprenticeship Manager (Scotland) and he is delighted to be helping them to refresh and develop their approach to apprenticeships in Scotland.
William, said: “Persimmon Homes value their apprentices and the contribution they add to our business. We are doing everything we can to make our apprenticeship programme a gold plated one, where they are nurtured through their qualification by popular and well respected training centers like Forth Valley College and our site support teams. I have been very impressed by the facility at Falkirk Campus which offers a modern training approach in a well-designed state-of-the-art building that also supports students’ wellbeing to a high level. The new training environment offers our apprentices an excellent facility as they work through their modern apprenticeship.”
Stuart Taylor, Curriculum Manager in the Department of Care, Sport and Construction, said: “Having spoken to all of the people involved with Daniel’s learning journey it is clear that he has a very bright future. Daniel exhibited an excellent attitude to learning throughout his time at Forth Valley College and has grabbed every opportunity put in front of him. Daniel has also clearly benefitted from his supportive employment with Persimmon. Daniel is a credit to himself, his employer Persimmon Homes and Forth Valley College.
“I am also delighted that William Smith is on board at Persimmon Homes Scotland and applaud all of his efforts to improve pathways and employer support for Construction modern apprentices.”
Caroline Hogg, Client Manager at FVC said “I am delighted that Daniel has done so well throughout his Modern Apprenticeship programme, he has worked hard and is now reaping the rewards. Forth Valley College deliver Modern Apprenticeship programmes in five different areas of construction and we have seen a significant increase in the demand for construction skills over the last two years.”
More information:
https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/modern-apprenticeships/
https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/industry-training/modern-apprenticeships/
https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/modern-apprenticeships-student/