Spitfire Homes has highlighted its internal training programme after a 24-year-old employee progressed into a trainee sales management role within the business.
The Midlands-based housebuilder said the scheme is designed to develop talent from within, offering early-career employees exposure across multiple departments to build a broader understanding of the business.
Alysha Spicer (main picture) joined the firm in 2019 after completing sixth form and has since worked across land, planning, design, technical, commercial and construction teams.
She has spent the past 12 months as a Trainee Sales Manager, overseeing multiple sites across the region, including developments in Daventry and Coventry.
STRUCTURED PROGRESSION
The role reflects Spitfire Homes’ focus on structured career progression, with the business continuing to scale following a reported 70% year-on-year growth and a pipeline of more than 500 homes submitted for planning in 2025.
Spicer says: “I always describe my experience as being like a sponge. I go into every room – even now – ready and wanting to learn, and everybody at Spitfire emphasises the importance of this exposure.
“As a young person who came into the industry fresh with no knowledge of my role, the biggest benefit came from asking to sit in on Land meetings and Site meetings, to absorb as much information as I can.
“I’m very fortunate to have had two mentors in Guy Clapp and Matt Vincent, who throughout my time have encouraged my vulnerability. I’m not shy in saying where I’ve done things wrong – especially in an environment where mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn and grow.
“I think that a trap many younger professionals can fall into is the need to always appear in control. When I first started my journey, I wasn’t expected to know everything, and took lessons from every interaction.”
INVALUABLE INSIGHT
She adds: “In sales, I want to show off everything – there is nothing to hide with a Spitfire home. We all love the properties and communities we are helping to cultivate, and the brand’s values of integrity, trust and honesty shine through everybody I speak to.
“Our Operations Director is very supportive of internal progression and always takes the time to go into great detail about why decisions have been taken. Being part of a closeknit team at Spitfire Homes has given me invaluable insight and direct exposure to the workings of senior management and present in the room for conversations I may not have elsewhere.
“The Trainee Sales Manager role wasn’t around when I was a Sales Consultant, but as soon as there was an opportunity for it, the business thought first about how it could train from within. I’m very grateful for that.”
