To mark Apprenticeship Week, a housing developer paid a visit to a careers fair in Wantage.

Representatives from Persimmon Homes Wessex, responsible for the Wellington Gate development in Grove, attended the event to engage with pupils from years nine, ten, and eleven from King Alfred’s Academy, Wantage.

The students were introduced to an array of local businesses at the event at The Beacon.

Representing Persimmon Homes Wessex were site manager Andrew Marriott, trainee sales advisor Lili Fletcher, and senior assistant accountant Laura Wilkey.

READ MORE: Oxford cabby accused of raping passenger on way to Banbury

They shed light on the career avenues within the construction industry and the company’s record of hiring apprentices.

Careers and work experience manager at King Alfred's Academy, Sue Cronin, said: "We want to pass on a huge thanks and appreciation to Persimmon and all the employers for the amazing stands they created to add interest and engagement for our students.

"I encountered so many positive and inspiring conversations throughout the day and know this event would have been such a highlight for so many of our students, for which King Alfred's is so grateful."

Currently, the company is working on the Wellington Gate site, which is located on the former airfield situated between Wantage and Grove.

It has plans to construct 2,500 homes for local people

Currently available to buy at the site are three and four-bedroom properties, starting from £334,995.

Additionally, the developer plans to provide two primary schools, a secondary school, a community hub, sports facilities, play pitches, play areas, an ecological park, community park, allotments, and orchards.

These will be a part of the sustainable community they aim to establish.

The plan for Wellington Gate is influenced by the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

This strategy aims to produce a connected and multi-purpose network of green spaces and corridors.

Every year, the Persimmon Wessex’s Community Champions fund contributes approximately £24,000 to causes in the area.

Recently, Sustainable Wantage and the Wantage Literary Festival have been recipients of the fund's donations.

Persimmon Homes Wessex managing director Julian Roper said: "As we celebrate Apprenticeship Week, Persimmon Homes Wessex was pleased to reaffirm its commitment to fostering local talent and leaving positive legacies in the communities in which we build by attending King Alfred’s career day.

“From our involvement in fairs like these to our investment in apprenticeships and increasingly sustainable and affordable homes, we are not just constructing homes but laying the foundation for future generations.

"Wellington Gate epitomises our dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement, providing not just houses, but vibrant, interconnected neighbourhoods."