Bellway has launched a programme to widen opportunities for employees and drive greater diversity within leadership roles.
A cohort of 30 people have embarked on the new CMI-accredited Good Foundations Built with Us programme. Eight existing Bellway employees who applied internally to the scheme have been joined by 22 external graduates starting their careers in the housebuilding industry.
The new employees were inducted into the two-year programme at a three-day residential stay in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which included visits to Bellway’s head office in Woolsington and its Western Grange development in Killingworth.
Participants in the scheme have been employed in various disciplines across the company, which has 21 divisions across the UK. On completion of the two-year programme in August 2027 they will receive accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Lucie, from Somerham, near Cambridge, joined the Bellway Latimer joint venture at Springstead Village two years ago and is one of Bellway’s internal employees who applied through the Good Foundations Built with Us initiative.
She said: “I was able to join this year’s programme although I don’t have a degree. I found out about the initiative on Bellway’s intranet system, called Pathway, and noticed an article about Good Foundations Built with Us.
“I applied to be on the course and I was delighted to be accepted. Alongside the programme I am studying AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting. My ultimate aim is to qualify and then become a Chartered Accountant.”
Ashleigh has joined Bellway after graduating with a geography degree from the University of Glasgow in July.
She said: “I saw Bellway’s programme on social media and it appealed to me because it offered deeper insights into some areas of my degree such as development, so it felt like the natural next step. Additionally, since Bellway is committed to five per cent of the workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions I felt like there would be a strong support system.
“The induction in Newcastle was a great opportunity to spend time getting to know our cohort. I have really enjoyed Bellway’s social and collaborative nature so far and I’m really excited about the charity and business projects ahead and the chance to meet with the wider group again.
“My long-term goals are to continue growing my career at Bellway. One day, I hope to mentor future graduates, offering them the same support and guidance I’ve received.”
23-year-old Jeremy has joined Bellway Thames Gateway as a technical graduate after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in civil engineering.
He said: “I spotted the programme on LinkedIn and applied and was delighted to make it through the selection process and be offered a position.
“It is great to get into the construction industry because it will allow me to use the knowledge and skills I acquired in my four years at university. The induction was very beneficial because it enabled me to meet and socialise with the other graduates and gave me the chance to meet managers from a number of different disciplines.
“I am very happy to be working and learning at a prestigious company like Bellway where everyone is friendly and willing to help and listen. My aim is to work hard, progress in my career and one day become a technical director.”
Harry, who has a degree in business management from Manchester Metropolitan University, has joined Bellway’s Manchester division.
The 22-year-old, who lives in Manchester, said: “I was originally drawn to Bellway’s strong reputation for quality and its commitment to sustainable development.
“The structured nature of the programme, with clear progression opportunities, made it an ideal way to start building a long-term career. Ultimately, I want to lead a team that drives innovation and helps shape the future of Bellway’s developments, combining commercial success with a genuine focus on people and sustainability.”
Matthew Fletcher, group future talent development co-ordinator, said: “It is great to welcome the latest cohort of future leaders on our ‘Good Foundations Built with Us’ programme.
“As an Employer of Choice, we invest in our people to ensure that they have the training and ongoing development necessary to progress their careers and deliver work they can be proud of.
“This year we have opened up the programme to existing employees who have the potential to be future leaders. This is part of our commitment to promoting opportunities for a wider range of applicants and driving greater diversity within leadership roles, to support the long-term growth of the business.”
New future talent opportunities with Bellway will be available in 2026. Apprentices and graduates can pre-register with their details at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk so they can be contacted about opportunities when they open.
