A teenager who joined Bellway three years ago straight from school is being lined up for a role as a trainee assistant site manager.
Harris Read, who started with the housebuilder as an apprentice carpenter at the age of 16, is acting as finishing manager at the company’s Albany Gate development in Merstham, where all the homes have now been sold. The role involves helping buyers move into their new homes and to deal with any issues they may have.
The 19-year-old, who lives in Godalming, knew he wanted to pursue a career in the construction industry before he left Rodborough School in Milford. He joined Bellway in 2019 as an apprentice carpenter after taking woodworking lessons at school.
“I really enjoyed the practical side of the carpentry and woodworking classes I attended but didn’t want to be at school anymore,” said Harris. “Going to college full-time or university did not appeal to me and I was lucky enough to land a position as an apprentice carpenter with Bellway.
“One of the tutors had told me that carpenters often go on to be site managers so that was something that really drew me in. I want to qualify with a trade, earn while I learn and use that as a springboard to better myself and climb up the ladder at Bellway.”
Harris, whose course was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, is due to finish his two-year apprenticeship with a NVQ Level 2 exam in August. But the teenager has already been asked to take step up in his career.
“I was laying the floor in a house at Albany Gate when a group of directors came in on a site visit,” he said. “Shawn Moore, the Construction Director for Bellway South London, spoke to me about pursuing a management role.
“He said he would get back to me and he did. They have asked me to act as finishing manager at Albany Gate where all the homes have now been sold. My role is to work with the sales advisor Angela Decruz-Anderson to help the customers move into their new homes and to smooth over any snagging issues or other problems they may have.
“I am loving the challenge and can’t wait to really get stuck in as a trainee assistant site manager once I qualify later this year. My ambition is to be a site manager and Bellway is the right company for me to do my best to achieve that at an early age, because of the support and guidance which is always available.”
Dan Bradbury, Managing Director for Bellway South London, said: “Harris is a shining example of what the apprenticeship scheme is all about, which is finding the best local talent and giving them the chance to make a career with us.
“He is very hard-working and inspires his colleagues with his infectious enthusiasm. Harris is a remarkable young man who has already illustrated maturity and application beyond his years.
“We are delighted to have him on board at Bellway and it seems clear that he has all the requisite attributes which will allow him to go as far as he wants to with this company.”
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