A local housebuilder has reinforced its commitment to nurturing future construction talent in Oxfordshire with a substantial donation of 10,000 bricks to ACE Training Centre in Kidlington.
The donation from Persimmon Homes Wessex will support apprentices and students at ACE Training Centre by providing essential materials for hands-on training in bricklaying and construction skills.
The bricks — enough to build a three-bedroom house — will be used across the centre’s practical courses, helping young people gain valuable experience in a supportive and community-focused learning environment.
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The initiative was marked at an event attended by apprentices, Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller, Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, and ACE Training staff.
ACE Training Centre, a non-profit organisation, runs award-winning apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programmes in traditional construction trades. Each year, it welcomes a large intake of school leavers, alongside 100 apprentices training across multiple disciplines, many of whom go on to work on projects throughout Oxfordshire.
Persimmon’s support reflects its broader investment in education and communities, with major developments underway at Valley Park in Didcot and Wellington Gate in Wantage. Together, these sites will deliver thousands of new homes, schools, sports facilities, and community spaces, while supporting local employment and infrastructure growth.
Commenting on the donation, Seb Spiller, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, said:
“We’re delighted to support ACE Training with this donation of 10,000 bricks. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring students have the materials and experience they need to develop their skills.
“With our significant ongoing schemes at Valley Park and Wellington Gate, where we’re delivering thousands of homes for both communities, it’s crucial for us to cultivate a strong pipeline of skilled local construction workers.
“We believe investing in education today strengthens the workforce of tomorrow and supports the broader community’s growth and development, and we’re delighted to work with ACE Training to achieve this.”
Calum Miller MP welcomed the partnership, adding:
“Supporting local talent is vital if we are to meet the region’s growing demand for housing and infrastructure. The best way to secure that future is by equipping the next generation with the tools for lasting careers in construction.”
Adam Marsh, Managing Director of ACE Training Centre, expressed their gratitude, saying:
“On behalf of the college, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Persimmon Homes for its generous donation.
“As part of our ongoing partnership, these bricks will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to further their hands-on training and skill development.”
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, also commented:
“This generous donation is a fantastic example of how local businesses can make a real difference in shaping the future of our community.
“By investing in the training and development of our young people, Persimmon is not only supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople but also ensuring that Weston’s growing housing and infrastructure needs are met with local talent.”
