Coinciding with the launch of The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Women into Construction partnership, which aims to address the gender imbalance in the construction workforce nationally (currently just 16% female representation), Bellway is thrilled to celebrate its all-female site team at Arrowe Brook Park in Upton, Wirral.

Jessica Licence, Beth Guttridge and Amelia Size head up the construction team at this popular development, which provides a superb collection of three and four bedroom homes.

Jessica, aged 36, is the site manager at Arrowe Brook Park and is responsible for the overall smooth running of the development, plus health and safety on site. From Bootle, she started her career at Bellway as a joiner, joining the company as an apprentice, and has progressed quickly, achieving a prestigious Pride in the Job award.

Jessica comments: “Many years ago I realised that a career in construction was a career for life, with lots of opportunities and so many varied roles. Bellway was one of the first housebuilders in Liverpool to offer apprenticeships and when I looked into the options, it seemed they spent a lot of time, effort and money in developing individuals within the company, which really appealed to me.

“I thoroughly enjoy working for Bellway and love being involved in a development from day one, seeing it through to completion, as well as working with talented contractors and trades to build the best homes for our customers. I hope that in the next five years I remain with the company in a similar position.”

Supporting Jessica is Beth, who as assistant manager is responsible for booking trades, managing the customer journey and ensuring each property at Arrowe Brook Park meets National House Building Council (NHBC) standards.

Beth always wanted a career in construction with family members and friends highly recommending the diversity of roles. She graduated from university with a 1^st class degree in Quantity Surveying and applied for a job on Bellway’s Graduate Programme.

Beth says: “Working in construction has always appealed to me and joining Bellway has been a great learning curve. I am loving my role as assistant site manager as so much goes into this position and I want to continue to become more skilled and knowledgeable.

“We are currently working towards a Pride in the Job award at Arrowe Brook Park and it would be a great accomplishment to achieve this – an all-female team leading the way in construction.”

Ambitious, Beth hopes to progress with Bellway becoming a site manager within the next five years.

The youngest of the trio is Liverpool-born Amelia (22) who is the trainee assistant site manager at Arrowe Brook Park.

Amelia started her working career in football and secured a soccer scholarship in the USA, however this fell through due to Covid. At a loss of what to do next, Amelia contacted Bellway and applied for the Trainee Assistant Site Manager role.

She adds: “Bellway is based locally to me in Maghull and they have an excellent reputation in Liverpool, so I got in touch. I wanted to work in an environment where I am always learning and this role does exactly that – every day is different! I haven’t looked back since joining Bellway and recently handed over my first two plots to customers, which taught me so much about the finishing process and customer care.

“I have secured my NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management and hope that within the next 12 months, during which time I will have gained much more on site experience, I will be a fully qualified Assistant Site Manager.”

Ian Hopkins, Construction Director at Bellway, concludes: “As a company we have always championed females in construction and are delighted to be part of the national programme to attract more women into the sector. Jessica, Beth and Amelia are a superb trio working together in what is a typically male-orientated industry. Each entered construction at a different level, showcasing the variety of roles and opportunities available with Bellway, and we hope by being part of the national programme to challenge the current 16% representation in the industry.”

Away from work Jessica likes to travel, whilst Beth goes to the gym regularly, meets up with friends and enjoys holidays. Amelia also enjoys going to the gym, eating out with friends and drinking craft beer.