An apprentice civil engineer from Maidenhead is a big fan of the apprenticeship model, believing that people learn best on the job.

Oliver Whitton, 19, joined Persimmon Homes North London in September 2018 following a determined effort to secure an apprenticeship.

“When I left school I did a year of electrical studies at college, but I knew an apprenticeship was a good route to go down. I kept an eye on various websites, and following a successful application and interview was lucky enough to be taken on by Persimmon.”

Oliver is in his third year of 2x two-year course, based in the Persimmon head office in Maidenhead, but attending Uxbridge College one day a week.

“I’m part of the technical team and I really enjoy it. There is a huge amount of support from everyone and they are all on hand to help if I need it. But as well as that, I’m being offered some fantastic, wide-ranging opportunities – like working with CAD – which is brilliant.

“I definitely work best ‘on the job’ and am a big fan of the apprenticeship model. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Oliver’s manager and Head of Technical at Persimmon is Gary Martin. He said: “Oliver came to us from his electrical course wanting to get into construction.

“Taking on an apprentice is such a positive move for any company as it gives you the opportunity to mould them into whatever you want, to train them effectively to your specification! They don’t come to you with any inherited bad habits, they just become the employee you need them to be.”

Away from work Oliver enjoys video gaming and is a football fan and pre-Covid would be found at Chelsea home games.
When asked what his goals are for his career and the future he said: “My priority is to get the basics right: a good job, a stable income and a nice house.”