A talented trainee surveyor has been named Persimmon Homes’ business apprentice of the year, bagging himself a £1,500 prize.
Oliver Long, from Peterborough, beat off competition from hundreds of other business apprentices across the country to be announced as this year’s winner.
He received his prize at Persimmon’s York headquarters recently.
The 20-year-old was described as someone who had “exceeded all expectations”.
Nick Phillips, Persimmon Homes East Midlands Commercial Director, said: “Oliver is a very worthy winner. He continues to excel in his role and exceed expectations in all aspects of the business.
“During his time with the company he has successfully tendered, negotiated deals, placed orders and set a budget on more than one development as well as assisting the whole commercial team.
“Oliver has a fantastic attitude and shows a real eagerness to progress in the company.”
Oliver is currently studying a level three diploma in building and construction and attends Peterborough College once a week.
He said he is planning to put his prize money towards a deposit on a new home of his own.
Oliver said: “It’s a fantastic confidence boost to be nominated by people in the office. These awards are a great way for Persimmon to recognise the talented young people in the business.
“It came as a bit of a shock – my manager kept it very quiet!
“I have been involved in budgets, valuations and payments. It’s been a fantastic opportunity and I’m keen to learn more about the industry and progress.”
Simon McDonald, deputy managing director of Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said: “Many congratulations to Oliver and all of the young people who were nominated.
“It’s important that we recognise our exceptional apprentices and the hard work that they are putting in to progress in their chosen field.”
The Persimmon Homes Young Achievers Awards are open to all employees who are 25 or under. Nominees from each of the builder’s 26 regions go forward to be considered nationally by a panel of directors, including Chief Executive Jeff Fairburn.
Joseph Austin, also of Persimmon Homes East Midlands, was a finalist in the Trade Apprentice of the Year award and Ashton Quince was a finalist in the Duncan Davidson Award. They received £100 each.
Persimmon Homes has developments right across the East Midlands, including in Raunds, Oundle and Peterborough.