I joined Bellway in September 2022 and am an apprentice engineer, studying Construction Design and Tech (Civil Engineering), based at the company’s North East office.

I attend college once a week on a day-release basis at Durham College and I spend the remainder of my time working between the office and on site which means that no day is the same.

I have dyslexia and must say that the application procedure I underwent at Bellway was much better than those at other companies offering apprentice roles at the same time.

The initial part of the application process was a telephone interview, which is a good start as being able to chat suits me. When Bellway found out I have dyslexia, they were understanding of the situation and gave me a time extension for the assessment.

My advice to anyone going through this process is that if you have any doubts then tell Bellway as they will help you through the process, in a bid to get the best out of you.

Despite starting university to study a geography degree, I realised I didn’t want to stay in higher education but instead wanted to get into full-time work. I’m a practical learner who enjoys the world of work and I much prefer to be hands-on.

I’d always had a passion for maths and civil engineering and problem solving, so I started researching the apprenticeship route and applied to various companies. When I got the offer from Bellway, there was no doubt I was going to accept it.

I was attracted to Bellway, in large part, because of the size of the company. I like working for a big company that offers job security and development. My apprenticeship provides the chance of career progression as I can complete a full level 5 course and go on to study for a chartership.

As an apprentice at Bellway, I feel that I am treated more as an adult than a student. At work, I’m given my own responsibility for my own sites, as part of my role, and I also get paid while learning.

Bellway has given me a mentor who helps me review my progress and shares their own valuable experiences of completing an apprenticeship previously. In addition to this, there is an apprenticeship support team at head office which monitors my progress and can offer help and support when needed.

There is also support provided from the apprenticeship team at group office to make sure everything is going well, including regular check-ins, so there is always someone I can contact.

My role sees me working both on site and in the office. Being out on a site gives me the opportunity to experience and learn about so many different areas and see a project through from start to finish.

My work can include dealing with drawings, potential land issues, attending meetings concerning site development, and learning how to plot co-ordinates and use equipment and instruments correctly.

This apprenticeship programme has opened the door to a career as an engineer without my needing to go to university.

I am delighted to be starting my career at Bellway because it is a well-known, family-run firm which has ambitious plans for the future.