White Building Services takes on contract work for both new builds and housing association properties. One current contract is with Helena Housing in St Helens, where new kitchens are being fitted on tenanted properties.

Plasterers Greg Boothroyd, Dean Beaumont and Andy Priday have been working on a tenanted site at Earlestown, skimming walls and ceilings ready for new kitchens to be installed.

Greg, 43, has been with White's for the past 8 years. Starting his working life as a labourer, he decided to give college a go at the age of 22, where he gained his City & Guilds. Now, 21 years later, he still loves the trade and has taken the opportunity to update his skills and knowledge with an NVQ.

"It's never too late to learn," says Greg, who has just been awarded his Level 2.

"For me it has all been about updating my skills, keeping up-to-date with current standards and good practice, and taking on board any changes. Doing the NVQ has been very refreshing. And it gives me something to aim for."

For Dean, aged 21, the Level 2 is an important step on the career ladder. Having completed a college course, he is considering going on to a Level 3.

Dean has loved plastering since doing two weeks' work experience at school. But continuing to learn through the company's training programme means he has an opportunity to develop a variety of skills, from computer competency to time management - skills which will be useful should he wish to move up the career ladder to a supervisory role.

Site supervisor Jay Nichols has done just that. Beginning his career as a tiler, trained in all aspects of tiling and ceramics, Jay has taken on a variety of SkillWorks-funded courses such as time management and basic IT. Work-based training has helped him to move onwards and upwards in the company.

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