Publication Date: 18-03-2025 09:00
Former RAF instructor flying high in new career in construction
A former RAF parachute jump instructor who trained Special Forces has won a prestigious national award after making the leap into a new career with Bellway in the construction industry.
Matthew Griffiths was named NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) 2025 awards ceremony at its headquarters in Milton Keynes on Friday 7 March.
The 36-year-old from Poole, in Dorset, joined Bellway in September 2023 as a trainee assistant site manager after nearly nine years in the RAF, and has since been promoted to assistant site manager at Bellway’s Kingsmere Park development in West Parley.
Matthew said: “People often overlook what construction can offer in terms of pay, career progression and job security.
“The pay can be really competitive and there are great benefits. My employer, Bellway, has been incredibly supportive – especially after my wife and I recently had a baby. I’m hoping to move onto the Level 6 NVQ with NHBC this year, which will be another big step forward.”
While Matthew’s military career had provided structure and discipline, the requirement to frequently move home took a toll on his family life. Seeking stability and a new challenge, he decided to pursue a new direction in the building industry.
“The first couple of weeks felt a bit like being back at school,” he said. “At the same time, I knew there was a goal at the end of it. I was working towards a qualification that would open doors for me.
“The NHBC Construction Site Supervisor apprenticeship was a steep learning curve, but the support was incredible. The training materials, instructors and the whole structure really helped me build confidence and develop my skills.
“My job in the RAF was physical and I wanted to keep that element in my new career while learning a trade. I was always into being active and working with my hands. I initially looked at carpentry and completed a course in college, but I soon realised my skills were better suited to management, similar to my role in the RAF.”
Working at Kingsmere Park, Matthew was part of a team led by site manager Dave Murnane, who won an NHBC Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence award last year.
Matthew said: “We’re hoping to achieve a NHBC Pride in the Job Regional Award this year. It’s a great motivation to keep pushing for the highest standards.
“I want to spend a couple of years consolidating everything I’ve learned and gaining more experience as an assistant site manager. Then, within a few years, I aim to become a site manager.”
Matthew encourages anyone considering a career change to consider opting for the construction industry.
“It’s never too late,” he said. “If you’re unhappy in your job or feel stuck, just go for it. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain, new skills, a stable career and opportunities to progress.
“I’ll be working until I’m 70, so why not spend those years doing something rewarding. There are so many opportunities in house building, great pay and the opportunity for career progression. I’m now aiming for my Level 6 NVQ with NHBC. If you’re feeling stuck in your job, an apprenticeship is an achievable and life-changing step into a new career."
Mark Alp, Regional Director at Bellway Wessex, said: “Matt’s journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance, growth, and determination. He started his career with a deep sense of duty, enlisting in the armed forces straight after school. His time in the military taught him invaluable life skills, such as leadership, discipline, and resilience. After leaving the armed forces, Matt transitioned into civilian life with the same mindset of determination.”
For more information about careers at Bellway visit https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/.
