A major housing developer in Oxfordshire has helped fund a life-changing overseas project for a group of young apprentices, thanks to a £1,000 donation supporting vital plumbing work in Africa.
Persimmon Homes Wessex, one of the builders behind the large-scale Valley Park development in Didcot, presented the donation to Renelec apprentice Harry, 23, at the site’s Charles Church outlet. The timing coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, shining a spotlight on opportunities available to young people entering the industry.
Harry is one of four apprentices heading to Tanzania this month as part of a Projects Abroad scheme, where they will help install essential sanitation and water infrastructure for a local daycare school.
During their time overseas, the group will be involved in fitting toilets, digging trenches and laying water pipes to improve access to clean water. Alongside the practical work, they will also spend time with local children, supporting basic English learning and taking part in sports activities.
Renelec, which provides plumbing services for Persimmon at Valley Park, is working in partnership with Projects Abroad, an organisation that arranges volunteer and internship placements across the developing world. Since it was founded, the scheme has supported more than 135,000 participants across 23 countries.
Once completed, Valley Park will deliver 4,254 new homes, two primary schools, a special educational needs school, local centres and sports facilities, helping to create a connected and sustainable community for Didcot.
All Persimmon homes at the development, including those delivered for registered housing providers, will feature sustainability measures such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.
The five-star housebuilder currently has homes available to purchase at Valley Park from £216,995, while its sister company, Charles Church, is offering premium properties from £384,995.
Persimmon Homes Wessex Sales Director Pauline Fletcher said the company was pleased to support the apprentices taking part in the project.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer some apprentices a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real difference in a part of the world that will benefit hugely from their skills,” she said.
“Persimmon is proud to work with Renelec at our popular Valley Park site, and we wanted to lend a helping hand to their hardworking young team through this fantastic initiative, especially with National Apprenticeship Week just around the corner.”
John Skeen, Managing Director of Renelec, said the funding would have a lasting impact both overseas and closer to home.
“This support will help create long-term, sustainable change abroad while also investing in the development of young talent here in the UK,” he said. “We’re very grateful to Persimmon for backing this project.
“Renelec is a proud partner of Projects Abroad and we hope to secure funding to send a group of apprentices every year.”
Harry said the trip would be a valuable experience for everyone involved.
“The project will make a real difference to the community in Tanzania while giving us invaluable personal and professional experience,” he said. “We’re incredibly thankful to Persimmon and everyone else who has helped make this possible.”
