AccXel Construction School has appointed Natalie King as its new joint managing director.
A qualified barrister, Natalie has been an integral part of AccXel since its inception and steps up from her current role of growth and partnerships director this April 2024.
In her new role of joint managing director, Natalie will be responsible for continuing to drive the business forward through innovative initiatives and collaboration, working closely with her sister, AccXel founder and joint managing director, Nicola Bird.
As the UK's first industry-led construction school — jointly funded by family business KW Bell and GFirst LEP — AccXel provides apprenticeships, short courses, a revolutionary Skill STEPS programme and other specialist training for the construction industry, working with high-profile partners including JCB and Leica.
Its impressive facility in the Forest of Dean has the UK's first mock construction site, giving learners a chance to get hands on with the latest plant and technology; and experience every aspect of construction to get them fully 'site ready'.
As well as helping to develop the next generation of construction talent, AccXel also helps to upskill existing workers and grow the local economy.
Announcing Natalie's promotion on LinkedIn, Nicola said: 'From the very beginning of AccXel Construction School, Natalie has been an integral part of our journey, standing by my side through every triumph and challenge.
'She's not just a colleague; she's the yin to my yang, the perfect complement to my leadership style.
'Natalie's passion for our mission, combined with her stellar academic background, and her dedication to excellence makes her the perfect fit for this role.
'It's never lonely at the top when you've got your sister by your side. And with Natalie by my side, I know we're unstoppable.'
AccXel is on track to welcome more than 2,000 learners per year by 2027, with 15 per cent of them being female learners in trades — and has already been approached to build a second AccXel facility to take the business national.
Natalie is also a shining example and advocate for women in construction, especially at senior management and board level, and was the chair of Women in Property South Wales in 2019.
