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Second promotion in a year for former trainee

Written by Anwyl Homes | 23 Jul 2026

 We’re delivering on a commitment to support emerging talent by promoting a former trainee for the second time in 12 months. 

Zach Trenchard, from Garstang, joined our Lancashire team in 2023 as a trainee development engineer, after completing a T-level in professional construction.

Based at our Buckshaw Village headquarters, he stepped up to the role of assistant development engineer last year and was more recently further promoted to development engineer.

Civil engineering interested me during my T-level studies and then Anwyl offered me the opportunity to learn within the workplace and supported me as I completed a Level 4 HNC in construction management at Preston College,” Zach recalled.

I’ve recently stepped into the role of development engineer, where I’m responsible for the day-to-day engineering aspects multiple new homes sites across the region. This involves coordinating with site teams, consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure all engineering aspects of a development are in good shape. Each one is at a different stage and so it’s important that I keep in contact with everyone involved to ensure any potential issues are addressed before they impact progress on site.

Around 10% of people working for our Lancashire business are currently trainees and there are others like Zach who started as trainees within the business and are now fully qualified.

Zach, 20, remains committed to building on his experience and technical knowledge as he continues to progress his career with us.

I’d advise anyone considering a career in housebuilding to have a willingness to learn and be open to taking on advice from colleagues as it is key for gaining or expanding your knowledge,” Zach added.

As part of our commitment to supporting young people into successful careers within housebuilding, we’re linking with Preston College under ‘Partner a College’, a two-year national pilot scheme developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

We’ve also hosted placements under the HBF’s Women into Home Building programme and will welcome a graduate on a new rotational training scheme in September.

Managing director of our Lancashire business John Grime said: “Investing in young people is crucial if we’re to continue to grow as a business and contribute towards government housing targets. Zach’s made great progress since joining the business as a trainee, embracing opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Based on his success so far, he has a great future ahead of him.

For information about career opportunities with us see our Careers page.