When it came to leaving school Tiffany will tell you a career in plastering was the last thing on her mind.
“I don’t think I even knew what that was at 16,” said the former Redcar and Cleveland College student.
Fortunately for her, after trying a couple of different directions, her attentions turned towards the trades, and it was a multi skills course that ultimately introduced her to plastering.
Today at 23, Tiffany is an apprentice with A S Crocker Plasterers and she has found this is her passion. And proving she has the talent to match her enthusiasm, she recently received recognition as a nominee in the Student of the Year at the Plaisterers’ and FIS Training Awards.
With the certificate now framed on the wall at home, a wall she plastered herself incidentally, she said: “I feel quite proud of myself. It is something special and nice to be nominated. You feel like you have achieved something.”
Looking back to the start of her training, she said: “I hadn’t even heard of plastering but I picked it up quite quickly.” She found she had a talent for it and her instructors clearly saw it too and soon after opting to study a level 2 plastering course at Redcar and Cleveland College, Tiffany applied for an apprenticeship and was successful.
“I remember the first day, there was about 20 lads and me, but I wasn’t bothered because I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.
With the right work ethic, skills and determination, when a change of circumstance later saw Tiffany looking for a new employer, the college was quick to set up an introduction with A S Crocker.
Now Tiffany’s day job includes keeping the walls and ceiling pristine at Darlington Library, skilled work as parts of the building date back to the 19th and 20th century.
“I never thought I would work in construction, but I really enjoy it,” she said. And she agreed, there are definite advantages in being able to carry out her own repairs at home.
Nominated for the national award by the teaching team at the college, plastering lecturer Richie Cochrane said: “As an apprentice Tiffany’s attitude to the college and to the job is perfection. She thoroughly deserves the recognition.”
The Plasiterers’ and FIS Training Awards recognise the highest standards of achievement in training and education in the UK plastering and interior trades.
A S Crocker managing director, Mark Lucas, said: “We are delighted to have Tiffany on our team of highly skilled plasterers at Crocker’s. When we employed her, what really stood out for us was her positive mental attitude and strong work ethic. With that attitude anything, is possible.
“Tiffany is focused on evolving her career as a plasterer and we are very pleased to be able to support her ambitions with on-the-job training and mentoring to help her develop her skills.”
Redcar and Cleveland College’s plastering assessor Robert Warburton added: “We are extremely proud of Tiffany and the skill and resilience she has shown. Offering support and advice when asked she is a great example to our other students.”
Have you thought about a future career in plastering? Check out our plastering courses here.
