Posted: 10 June 2026
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.”