Skip to main content

It looks like you have JavaScript turned off

Pretty much everything should work. But you may find some components look slightly off as a result. You can find out what JavaScript is here. If you don't have JavaScript turned off, or if something doesn't work that you think should do, please email hidden; JavaScript is required.

News: Swap Shop’ scheme helps shortfall in plastering supplies

Please note: This news story may contain information that is no longer current or up to date.
Plastering student training at the College's Basford campus
Plastering student training at the College's Basford campus

With many manufacturing companies behind because of Covid-19, some small businesses are facing supply challenges in the weeks ahead. Rob Moore, a plasterer since leaving school, 13 years working in education, and now the Construction Manager at Nottingham College, has come up with a clever ‘swap shop’ scheme, to help out small businesses in need of plastering materials.

The College is set to close for the summer, and therefore Rob’s scheme means that businesses in short supply of plaster can order materials, which would otherwise go unused over the next few weeks, with the idea that they replace it with like for like’ stock later in the year. Rob explains:

Our students won’t be using the plaster over the summer period so it seemed like a good idea to offer it out to small businesses to help keep them ticking over. In return, the College will receive fresh products when our students return, and when manufacturing companies have had chance to catch up.”

The scheme will run until the end of July, so any businesses in need of plaster supplies can contact Rob via Twitter @ConstructionFE.

As one of the largest construction training providers in the Midlands, the College has a number of industry contacts, including a long-standing partnership with British Gypsum, which donates tonnes of plastering materials to the College each year.

Dave Hall, Training Partnerships Director at British Gypsum, said: Nottingham College’s plastering department is to be commended for the swap shop scheme initiative in engaging with local contractors. This great idea is welcomed by contractors who have totally bought into what the College’s plastering department is doing. This is great for the local community and contractor base in the area.”

Rob qualified as a plasterer back in 1985 when he completed an apprenticeship at the same Basford campus he’s been teaching at for the past 13 years. He’s now the Construction Manager and a member of the National Association of Plastering Lecturers. 

Plastering was my livelihood for many years, so the industry is one close to my heart. I’m lucky enough to have built up some great contacts over time, and we all feel strongly about the industry and supporting the next generation of trainee plasterers. 

This scheme is a win-win for both the College and local businesses. We can help with the shortage of plastering materials right now, and come October, when our students have returned, we’ll get fresh plaster for them to continue their training. 

 — Rob Moore
Published on:
  • 9th July 2020 (3:10 PM)
Media enquiries

If you are a journalist and would like to contact us about this news story, our PR and Communications team will be happy to assist you.

Contact our PR team View more news stories