Publication Date: 24-10-2022 09:00
Journalism graduate writes own success story in construction industry
A construction director who started in housebuilding as a trainee 10 years ago has encouraged graduates and school leavers to consider a career in the industry.
Daniel Walker, Construction Director at Bellway North East, began his career in the housebuilding industry as a graduate with a degree in journalism from Teesside University.
The 32-year-old said he got into the industry after working for 18 months in a bank then taking a five-week trip to Australia.
Daniel, who lives in Medburn, said: “Banking was not for me so I went to Australia for an extended holiday to think about what I wanted to do. During the university vacations I had helped my dad who was a painter and decorator, so I had a leaning towards the construction industry.
“When I got back home in 2012, I applied for a place on a graduate trainee course with a housebuilder and after two years I qualified as an assistant site manager. Normally you get a position as a trainee assistant site manager but I had done so well they gave me the role straightaway. I knew I had found the career for me.”
Over the years, Daniel worked his way up to site manager before being promoted to contracts manager. He won a prestigious National House Building Council Pride in the Job Quality Award and a Seal of Excellence in 2017 and another Pride in the Job Quality Award in 2018. The chance to take the position as construction director at Bellway North East came along in 2021.
“I had already bought a Bellway house in 2019 when I was working for another housebuilder, so I was well aware of the quality of their homes,” said Daniel. “When I was offered the opportunity to join Bellway I jumped at the chance.
“I am a proud Geordie and Bellway is one of the Newcastle-based companies that everyone in the North East has heard of. It is a well-respected firm whose success is a real source of pride for Newcastle.
“In this industry, I have gone from a trainee to a construction director in charge of 15 developments in the region, in just a decade. I am living proof that the construction industry will offer you the opportunities and the training and will give you the reward if you put the hard work in.
“What other career gives you the chance to build someone’s dream? The immense pride we feel when we see the happy faces of customers as we hand them the keys to their new home is unbeatable.
“I can honestly say that I believe I have the best job in the world. If you have talent, determination, and the desire to get stuck in, then this industry could be the career choice for you as a school leaver or a graduate.”
David McCrindle, Managing Director of Bellway North East, said: “It is fantastic to have Daniel leading our construction team at Bellway North East. His passion for the North East, for the housebuilding industry and for Bellway shines through.
“His enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail are an inspiration to everyone at the company. Daniel’s rapid rise from graduate trainee to construction director is a perfect example of how this industry can provide a dynamic career.
“We are very excited about the future and are sure that, under Daniel’s leadership, greater success awaits Bellway North East.”
For more information about careers at Bellway visit https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk.
