Bellway’s apprenticeship programme has given Brad Preston the chance to pursue a career doing a job that he loves.
The 21-year-old from Tamworth, who joined Bellway West Midlands as an apprentice joiner in September 2025, has been highly commended in Bellway’s 2026 Apprentice of the Year Awards. Brad, who works on site at the Arden Glade development in Keresley, near Coventry, is one of just four apprentices to be honoured in this year’s awards. And he believes his love for the job and passion for woodworking is what is behind this success.
He said: “I am really pleased to be recognised in this way for the work that I do.
“I never particularly liked or excelled at school, but I have a passion for woodworking and love this job – and I think that is why I have been highly commended by Bellway. I saw the advert online for the apprenticeship, went for it and was lucky enough to get in. It is fantastic to be part of the joinery team at Arden Glade.
“Instead of being stuck in a classroom every day at university, I am out on the job, learning skills from experienced and qualified professionals. I work five days a week on site and then have block release with the NHBC at its training hub in Lichfield. After two years, I should qualify as a joiner.
“This scheme is brilliant because I am getting paid to learn a trade I love.” Brad said that every time he arrives at work he is reminded of the huge satisfaction he derives from his job. On my first day, I helped the team put a roof on a house and it was very exciting.
“Now, every day when I drive onto site past that four-bedroom property, which has been completed, I smile and say to myself: ‘That’s the first house that I helped build and it looks great’. I like the variety of this job because there are so many different tasks for us to tackle to help build a house. We help fit the roofs, we build stud walls in the first fix, then we hang the doors, fix locks and fit the skirting boards and architrave in the second fix.
“When we are finished it looks great and it is very satisfying to walk past the house and see people living in it as that’s what it’s all about really.” Joseph O’Toole, Site Manager at Arden Glade, said: “Brad richly deserves this commendation because his enthusiasm, diligence and willingness to learn are an example to all of us.
“He fits in perfectly with the rest of the team on site and his love for the job shines through. Brad is always listening, always taking in instructions and his aptitude for the job is impressive. He’s definitely a natural.
“Our apprenticeship scheme priorities training and professional development to ensure that the next generation of housebuilders have the skills they need. Investing in upskilling the workforce is vital to keep pace with changes in the industry as it works towards carbon net zero targets.” The winners of Bellway’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026 have been announced during this month’s National Apprenticeship Week.
The national housebuilder has also launched its 2026 apprenticeship programme, offering a variety of opportunities and including site-based construction roles such as bricklaying, joinery and groundworking. A total of 37 apprenticeships are being offered across England, Scotland and Wales, with candidates having until Friday 13 March to apply.
