I was inspired to pursue a career in plastering because of my father, who was a plasterer himself. From a very young age, I would accompany him on jobs, working alongside him on weekends and during school holidays. My father, John Parkes, then introduced me to another mentor, Chris Cook, who provided me with extensive experience in working with lime mortar and fibrous plastering. During this time, I also had the pleasure of meeting Ricardo Gooden, with whom I exchanged knowledge and techniques. This career path has given me the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of all aspects of building work, allowing me to develop a well-rounded skill set.
I began working in the trade at the age of 14 as a labourer but officially started as an apprentice at 16. My training was a combination of hands-on experience and formal education. I attended Sefton Enterprise College in Liverpool, which is now closed, and later completed my Level 3 qualification through a company based in Manchester. Over the years, I have achieved my Level 3 certification and hold a CSCS gold card, which is a significant credential in the construction industry.
With over 22 years of experience in the trade, I have honed my skills in various aspects of plastering. Although I deeply enjoy all types of building work, I specialise in plastering and take every aspect of the craft seriously. My work includes traditional and modern plastering techniques, ensuring a high standard of craftsmanship in every project I undertake.
As for apprentices and trainees, I have not yet employed any, but I plan to in the near future. Mentoring the next generation of plasterers is something I look forward to, as I believe passing down knowledge is crucial for preserving high-quality workmanship in the trade.
Looking ahead, my goal is to establish a conservation company dedicated to preserving and restoring historic buildings using traditional methods. This passion for conservation stems from my experience with lime mortar and fibrous plastering, which are essential techniques in heritage restoration. I aim to build a team of skilled craftsmen who share my commitment to maintaining the integrity of historic structures.
For those interested in viewing my work, I currently have a website from my early days in the trade called TPP Plasterer Builder. Additionally, my work can be found on my Facebook page under Thomas Parkes. However, I am in the process of launching a new website, luxusconstruction.co.uk, which will showcase my latest projects and services. I look forward to expanding my reach and taking on new challenges in the plastering and construction industry.
Lath and Plaster 