Five new apprentices have begun their studies at Ayrshire College, strengthening Persimmon Homes' largest college partnership in Scotland.

The new intake — joiners Davy Mutch and Daniel McNally, and bricklayers Cole Whiteford, Brandon Dekker, and Lennon Boyd — brings the total number of Persimmon apprentices at Ayrshire College to 15. This is the highest total at any of the 15 colleges the company partners with across Scotland.

The apprentices are combining hands-on experience on Persimmon construction sites across Ayrshire with formal training at the college. To complete their apprenticeship, they undertake the Professional Development Award on a block release basis over two years, complemented by on-site assessment of their SVQ.

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William Smith, Persimmon's Senior Regional Apprenticeship Manager, said the partnership is "hugely important" and that the intake of 15 is "brilliant to reach – our biggest intake at any college in Scotland."

Angela Cox, Principal of Ayrshire College, welcomed the record intake, noting that the partnership is a "fantastic example of how industry and education can work together to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed".

Persimmon is one of Scotland's largest providers of construction apprenticeships, supporting 49 apprentices last year across a wide range of trades, including six female apprentices.