Plastering

I came to visit Lewisham College from school. I saw the plastering department and the facilities and knew that was what I wanted to do when I was older so I signed up.

I used to be at a school for kids with behavioural problems. I was pretty terrible when I was younger, but I've grown up a lot now and I'm working towards my future. Coming to Lewisham College has made me realise it's good to be good.

I'm glad I came here. Some bits of the course are easy, some bits are tough; it's fun. I like being hands on. I'm going to go on and do Level 2 next year.

Lewisham College has a very high standard of equipment. I also get on well with the staff, and their subject knowledge is very good.

When the course ends, I know I'll have the skills that will mean I'll be able to get a job. After I leave College, hopefully I'll be working for a firm, or maybe I'll be self employed.

If anyone's thinking about coming to do plastering, I'd definitely recommend that they come and give it a go. It's the only way you'll find out if you like it or not. Coming here has confirmed 100% that this is what I want to be doing.

Lewisham College Plastering rooms have bright, spacious, up-to-date workshops and facilities and equipment, where students are encouraged to progress at their own pace and to fulfil their potential. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and each year several students enter for the London Region of the Skillbuild Competition.

Students in Plastering are taught the skills they need to progress in the industry and achieve their full potential. Many have gone on to form their own companies or to become foremen for contractors on major sites in the London area. Some progress to BTEC ONC and HNC courses.

I first became interested in the construction trade after spending my summer holidays doing labouring work for friends' dads. I'd worked with some plasterers and thought it seemed like a good job, so after I left school I went to college to get my plastering qualifications.

After leaving college and working for a firm for a while, I became self employed. One of the guys I was sub contracting from was also a college lecturer, and that's how I became interested in teaching.

I've now been teaching at Lewisham College since 2005. Although I'm fairly young, I've had over six solid years of working in the industry. After I've given students a couple of demonstrations, they see I can do the job and I know what I'm talking about. Because I am fairly young, I can relate to the students well.

The plastering facilities here are better than at other colleges. We've also got great links with leading suppliers and manufacturers, so if you're looking to work with all of the latest materials, we've got them.

When students finish their course here, they'll have the skills required to go on and do the job.