Getting back to what he loves

Tom Mannifield is a Trainee Plaster Tiler at KWL. He’s 24 years old and comes from Hull, where he went to Andrew Marvell School on Bilton Grange.

He got on at school and did well in his GCSEs, where he chose Business Studies, Travel and Tourism.

Following this he decided to go to Bishop Burton College where he completed a two year course in bricklaying, achieving Level 1 and Level 2 Diploma. But after college a chance opportunity through a friend took him into the signage industry, working at Designs in Hull as a Level 2 Apprentice in Sign Making. Tom learned how to make signs and vehicle livery wraps. This  also involved travelling around the UK working at football stadiums, fitting signage and wall wraps. He really enjoyed his role as well as learning at College one day a week.

Tom explains:

“I finished the Apprenticeship in one year and stayed on for another year, before joining a different signage company for another year and a half. Then Covid hit and most of the team were furloughed. It was a difficult time with all of the uncertainty but one good thing came out of it, I managed to save enough money to buy myself a car.

“Unfortunately at the end of 2020 there were redundancies and finding work was really difficult. I got a job as a Refuse Collector for Hull City Council, but I realised I really wanted to go back to my original plan to work in construction, so I started looking for an entry in to the industry.

“My sister is a trainee joiner at KWL and I asked if there was any work available. I sent my CV to Andy Perkins who explained that -there were some options  and he was keen to find a position for me and help me to develop, an excellent way to train on the job. I was partnered up with a few different people to work within different areas of the business and for the last 6 months, I’ve been with Kevin Annakin, who is an experienced plasterer/tiler.

“KWL is really good to work for. They’ve been very helpful getting me in to a job I enjoy and I am doing a course in Level 2 Plastering.

“I’ve done lots of tiling and some joinery work as Kevin can turn his hand to anything. We’ve pointed brick work, laid flagstones, block pavers, all sorts – I’m getting some really good experience. But I really enjoy plastering and tiling as it’s so satisfying to see a finished job, well done.

“We’ve worked on some great projects in North Hull, The Avenues and Bransholme. At the moment we’re both at the Gate House on Pearson Park, a detached Victorian property that has undergone extensive works to repair the foundations, brick work and roofs.

“We’ve been busy ripping out the internal walls and ceilings and have just ordered the materials to get started on plastering. It’s a really nice project to be working on and it’s going to be an amazing home for a local family.

Kevin Annakin says:

“When Tom first came out with me he didn’t have much experience in construction but in a short time he’s become really good at plastering, his skimming is excellent and he’s really keen to get on with things. He’s impressive and I know he’ll do really well in his future career.”

In his spare time, Tom is very active, he loves to travel and is a massive football fan. He loves to play and has a season pass for Hull City. He also likes fishing but hasn’t had the chance to go much recently, this is a good reminder that he needs to get back to the ponds. He likes to wind down after a busy day at work playing games consoles and listening to music of any genre, except heavy metal!!