Tony Costello is an inspiration. A man with ideas. Endless energy. And a man on a mission.
As Training & HR Manager for White Building Services Ltd, a St Helens-based firm employing around 240 staff on sites around Merseyside, he too has a plan: to increase the skills and qualifications of each and every worker. His aim? To give them all an opportunity to progress in their careers and be the best at what they do – wherever their ambitions take them.

To carry out the plan, Tony has made full use of LSC programmes such as The SkillWorks, Apprenticeships and NVQs funded through Train to Gain.

With a mix of tradespeople and professionals employed on sites across the region, development issues can include anything from legislative needs to risk assessment, project management, working at heights and internet use.

"We have a computer with broadband on every site, and BlackBerrys and PDAs are becoming indispensable for the supervisors and management team."

Tony is also committed to the company's role as a community player, linking up with a local school and running weekly activities including his innovative Enterprise Game (above), which helps students to understand the construction industry as well as business in general.

"When I left school, I chose to serve time as a bricklayer, because I wanted a job that would give me work all through my life. Training has helped me to move my way up through the company. Now I'm determined to help others do the same."

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