Two HMS plasterer apprentices, Joe Preston and Daniel Clarke, are celebrating a remarkable achievement after both qualifying five months early with distinctions. Since joining us in September 2023, they have developed their skills and knowledge through a combination of hands-on experience and classroom learning.

Their success is a testament to their positive attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to building a career in the trade while making a difference to the homes and communities we serve.

Joe’s story

When Joe left school, he wasn’t sure which direction to take. After trying his hand at a range of roles – including working in call centres and becoming a personal trainer - he eventually found himself on a construction site, where he was introduced to plastering and quickly developed an interest in the trade.

Applying for the HMS apprenticeship at the age of 27, Joe knew he wanted to specialise in plastering. However, like many, he questioned whether he was starting too late.

"I thought I might’ve been too old for an apprenticeship. In the back of my mind, I was worried about being judged when I told people that I was an apprentice. But the reality is, apprenticeships are a great way to learn while you earn, no matter your age. Now I’ve developed skills for life and have a stable career ahead of me."

Throughout his apprenticeship, Joe worked alongside several mentors, each helping to shape his technique and build his confidence. Gaining experience working in tenants’ homes not only strengthened his technical ability but also helped him develop excellent customer service skills, teamwork and professionalism.

One moment that has stayed with him is plastering his very first wall:

“I remember plastering my first wall – it was in a tenant’s home in Old Swan. It wasn’t perfect, but with the supervision of my buddy that I was paired with, it made me realise this is something I could do if I worked hard and showed a willingness to learn and improve.”

Now qualified with a distinction ahead of his three-year apprenticeship ending, Joe takes pride not only in his personal achievement but also in giving back to the community he grew up in.

“I grew up in L4, right in the heart of where HMS operates, so being able to make an impact on the communities I know so well means a lot to me. I’m really proud to have qualified and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my mentors, manager and college tutors who have been incredible throughout. I’m excited for the future.”

Daniel's story

Daniel’s route into plastering took a very different path. After returning from America, he held supervisory and management roles in factories before travelling across Australia, where he dipped into work as a labourer and first discovered plastering.

Back in Liverpool, Daniel continued building his experience on site with a leading property developer. When apprenticeship opportunities with HMS opened up, he knew it was the ideal next step for his career.

“I’ve always had a strong attention to detail and take real pride in making things neat. I know trades can be messy, but for me it’s all about achieving that clean, high-quality finish. That’s what drew me to plastering – it matched my mindset and made me realise it was the career I wanted to pursue.”

Starting an apprenticeship at 33 came with personal challenges, but Daniel stayed focused on his long-term goals.

“Making the decision wasn’t easy, especially when you have financial responsibilities, but it’s the best choice I could have made. An apprenticeship is a real opportunity to build your future career. Keeping that end goal in sight is what made it all worthwhile in the end.”

During his apprenticeship, Daniel gained valuable experience working in tenants’ homes before going on to focus on void properties, helping to bring them back up to standard ready for new tenants.

“It’s rewarding to see the finished result, knowing you’ve played a part in transforming a house into a home for people who need it most.”

Daniel credits the apprenticeship programme – and the trust shown by HMS – as key to his progress.

“As an apprentice, I was trusted to manage jobs independently – going in, setting up and delivering work to a high standard. That trust means a lot. I’ve learnt so much from the people around me, and achieving my qualification early makes me really proud – not just for myself, but as a way of thanking everyone who has supported me.”

Looking ahead

Now fully qualified, both Joe and Daniel are looking ahead to the next stage of their careers, with ambitions to continue developing their skills and progressing within the business.

Their success highlights the value of HMS apprenticeships in providing accessible, practical routes into rewarding careers.