Construction Students Visit Persimmon Homes Site in Thackley

Local students gain practical insight into housebuilding

Students studying joinery and brickwork at Bradford College recently visited the Persimmon Homes construction site at Cote Farm in Thackley. The visit took place on 11 February 2026 as part of National Apprenticeship Week and provided the learners with the opportunity to observe various stages of modern housebuilding.

Site visit details

During the visit, students were guided through different sections of the housing development, witnessing work ranging from first-fix joinery to ongoing brickwork. This allowed them to connect the skills they practise in college workshops with real-world construction environments.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, the local ward councillor, attended the visit and highlighted the importance of employer engagement in creating opportunities for young people entering the trades.

Partnership with Persimmon Homes

The visit was arranged in collaboration with Persimmon Homes, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting the development of skilled young professionals. Michael Johnson, Regional Apprenticeship Manager for Persimmon, noted that over 600 apprentices have completed training with the company in the last five years, emphasising the value of such initiatives during National Apprenticeship Week.

Students had the chance to speak directly with site managers, explore the workflow of a large-scale housing project, and learn about employer expectations, emerging technologies, and modern building techniques.

College and employer collaboration

Bradford College maintains close links with Persimmon Homes to provide students with meaningful industry experiences throughout their courses. Greg Bourke, Head of Construction at the college, stated that visits to live sites enhance students’ understanding of current industry practices and contribute to preparing a skilled workforce for the region.

Student reflections

• Alfie Firth, a Carpentry and Joinery student, said the visit helped him see how practical tasks from college are applied on a larger scale in the industry.
• Raj Bangar, studying Brickwork, described the visit as “really interesting” and said it improved his understanding by allowing him to see real-life applications of classroom learning, motivating him to pursue a career in construction.

Councillor Sunderland also praised the initiative, emphasising the importance of providing young people with the right tools and access to learning opportunities in the trades.

Educational impact

Visits like this form an integral part of the construction curriculum at Bradford College, helping students develop both practical skills and sector knowledge. By strengthening partnerships with regional employers, the college aims to support students in making informed decisions about apprenticeships, employment, and long-term career paths in construction.