...Charlie earns his stripes

When Mark Hill started work for AC Beck as a painter and decorator at the age of 26 he had no idea that this tentative start would led to a successful career and provide opportunities for his son Charlie.

From those early days on 'the tools' in 1989 Mark has progressed through the firm's contracts management hierarchy, with a promotion to foreman and more recently supervisor. In overseeing many of AC Beck's major projects, Mark's role involves a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge encompassing Health and Safety and close client liaison.

Mark said: "Charlie has always taken an interest in my work and he sometimes came with me at weekends. He is now almost 17 and is one of three AC Beck apprentices taking an NVQ Level 2 at Reading College. In fact, Charlie has been put forward for nomination as Apprentice of the Year by the college.

"Charlie really enjoys the practical side of the job and he particularly liked working on the Planet Hollywood contracts producing leather finishes and Zebra stripes and other creative effects". Mark said, "But he's not so keen on the academic course-work".