Excellence in training hailed

Nov 14 2007 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

A TEESSIDE company has been praised for its work to improve skills.

Billingham-based residential, dry lining specialists and light steel frame manufacturers WA Browne (Building Services) has been commended by The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers for its commitment to training.

WA Browne won the regional heat fand went on to beat stiff competition to take the National Plaisterers’ Sword of Excellence for Training Award.

The company employs more than 250 dryliners across the North-east and Yorkshire and has 83 trainees at various stages of their three year apprenticeships.

Mat McAdams, managing director, said: “We passionately believe that training and developing the workforce is an essential investment in the future of any business and to win national recognition is fantastic.

“In our business we now have WA Browne trained lads passing on their knowledge to their sons and, in one case, daughter who have gone on to join us as new trainees.”