It’s a family affair!

John Nolgrove (left) recently achieved 30 years service with Walter Lilly, following in the footsteps of his father Bill, who also worked for the company from 1957 - 1985. Bill, who was well liked and respected amongst both his colleagues and professionals, started work on a residential housing project at Inner Park Road in Wimbledon and went on to manage projects including some for King's College London in 1967 - 1973. Walter Lilly has returned there in recent years. John started his career at Walter Lilly in 1977 at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone, where his first job was fixing doorstops.

After serving a carpentry apprenticeship he went on to obtain an HNC in building and spent a period of time setting out projects on various new builds before being given the opportunity to manage his own project in 1988 - an NCP car park!

John says: "The things that have sustained me all this time are the great variety of challenges undertaken by Walter Lilly and the sense of achievement when producing a quality job, which hopefully will reflect my endeavours for years to come."

On the right track!

Dean Yems joined Walter Lilly in 2002, straight from school, as a Trainee Surveyor. He attends University of Greenwich on a day release basis, studying a BSc in Quantity Surveying. He expects to receive his degree in Summer 2008.

During this time, Dean has received regular support and supervision from his Line Manager through quarterly reviews and has got to know more about the business by spending time within the Buying Department.

Having spent the last four years working on private residence projects, Dean is now involved in a new build science and education project in Whitechapel.

Dean was awarded Trainee of the Year 2006, for showing outstanding promise and achievement. He has recently been promoted to Surveyor and is planning a long term career with Walter Lilly.

Dean says: "Walter Lilly staff are always on hand to offer help and advice if needed with any University or site work. My long-term goals within Walter Lilly are to complete my current job and to continue learning and gaining experience so I can climb the ladder and become a great asset for Walter Lilly".

Peter Childs is undertaking a BSC in Construction and Engineering Management at Loughborough University and is sponsored by Walter Lilly. This approach ensures that he has a work placement that he can also use during University breaks, so he gets to earn some more money too! Peter says: “I have found being a sponsored student beneficial in many ways. If I am struggling or confused with any aspects of the course I am able to ask how it is done by professionals working in the industry. Within a week of starting my studies I was put into contact with other Walter Lilly sponsored students: this has aided me as the course has progressed.

As I am very competitive it is also a motivational factor, I want to do well so that Walter Lilly will be pleased with my progress and development. Their generous sponsorship has also helped me greatly with my finances whilst at university.

After completing my first six month placement on the course I can see that what I’ve learnt in theory I have been able to apply and put into practice.
Walter Lilly include me in many social events so I now feel less of a stranger at the Company. I very much look forward to working with them when my course is successfully completed. I know that I will be far ahead of many other graduates in the industry.”