Meet the team
Martin Grayston
Centre Manager
Martin Grayston
Centre Manager
Alex Coppola
Painting and Decorating Tutor
Alex Coppola
Painting and Decorating Tutor
Asha Hirst
Administration Officer
Asha Hirst
Administration Officer
Paul Keir
Plastering Tutor
Paul Keir
Plastering Tutor
Laura Newing
Student Support Mentor
Laura Newing
Student Support Mentor
Eseri Olanrewaju
Office Manager
Eseri Olanrewaju
Office Manager
John Porter
Plumbing Tutor
John Porter
Plumbing Tutor
Gary Swallow
Joinery Tutor
Gary Swallow
Joinery Tutor
Chris Webb
Admin Officer for the Post 16 ESF Project
Chris Webb
Admin Officer for the Post 16 ESF Project
Daniel Whalley
Lead Tutor
Daniel Whalley
Lead Tutor
Martin Shiels
Bricklaying Tutor
Martin Shiels
Bricklaying Tutor
Martin Grayston
Centre Manager
Role: I’m the Manager of the centre and I also teach Bricklaying, Health and Safety and CSCS card.
How long have you worked at PVC? Since the centre opened on 2nd February 2009.
Best thing about working at PVC: Everyday is different. It’s really rewarding when you see students gaining confidence, progressing towards a positive outcome. I also have a fantastic team, who are a joy to work with everyday!
One interesting fact about me: I once climbed to Everest ‘Basecamp’ which is over 17,000 ft high.
Alex Coppola
Painting and Decorating Tutor
Role: Painting and Decorating Tutor
How long have you worked at PVC? Since November 2021
What is the best thing about working at PVC? Teaching the students new skills that they’ll be able to use in their homes or future careers.
What is an interesting fact about you? I have been to the top of the twin towers in New York and also been back and visited ground zero.
Asha Hirst
Administration Officer
Role: Administration Officer
How long have you worked at PVC? Since November 2020.
The best thing about working at PVC is: Everyone is lovely and works great together as a team. It’s fantastic to work in a place where students are given the chance to have the opportunities to learn new skills and make a positive start to their futures.
One interesting fact about me: Meeting English actor – Chris Bisson who starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Shameless.
Paul Keir
Plastering Tutor
Role: Plastering Tutor
How long have you worked at PVC? Since March 2022
What is the best thing about working at PVC? Teaching Students new skills which will help them with their future.
What is an interesting fact about you? I was on a flight to USA on 9/11 going to Vegas but had to be re-directed to Canada for a week! I worked in Germany on Schalke 04 stadium for 11 months then onto Holland for 4 months – I loved the experience of working in Europe. I met Mick Hucknall in a rave in 1990 – went and shook his hand to the disbelief of my friends.
Laura Newing
Student Support Mentor
Role: Student Support Mentor
How long have you been at PVC? Since September 2023, although I've been volunteering here since April.
Best thing about working at PVC? No day is the same and watching the students progress in a trade and confidence is the best thing.
One interesting fact about me: In July 2023, I Walked up the BIG One ride in Blackpool for Kids For Kids Charity!
Eseri Olanrewaju
Office Manager
Role: Office Manager
How long have you worked at PVC? Since January 2024
Best thing about working at PVC: I noticed everyone is happy and very supportive and this is contagious!
One interesting fact about me: I find incredible inspiration and purpose in my relationship with Jesus Christ. My love for Him fuels every aspect of my life.
John Porter
Plumbing Tutor
Role: Plumbing Tutor
How long have you been at PVC? Since 2023
Best thing about working at PVC? I love working with and teaching students.
One interesting fact about me: I play the electric guitar.
Gary Swallow
Joinery Tutor
Role: Joinery Tutor
How long have you been at PVC? Since November 2023 and I've enjoyed every minute (so far...)
Best thing about working at PVC? Being part of a team (and the free cups of tea!).
One interesting fact about me: I spent part of my childhood growing up in Saudi Arabia.
Chris Webb
Admin Officer for the Post 16 ESF Project
Role: Admin Officer for the Post 16 ESF Project.
How long have you been at PVC? I have worked part time at PVC since April 2018.
Best thing about working at PVC: Every day is different, the Team are committed and enthusiastic, but best of all is seeing the difference PVC makes to the students. Seeing them grow in confidence and achieve skills and qualifications that they often didn’t believe they could attain.
One interesting fact about me: I was on a flight to Chicago and as we started to descend the Captain announced that there was no need to worry but there was a problem with one of the engines. It was slightly alarming to land far away from the main terminal buildings and see ten fire engines and ambulances waiting for us. Fortunately after being checked the plane was allowed to proceed to the terminal and we could disembark normally, I didn’t really fancy going down the emergency chute!!
Daniel Whalley
Lead Tutor
Role: Lead Tutor
How long have you worked at PVC? Since 8th January 2018.
Career before PVC: I did a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, then spent one year as a Joiner on domestic and commercial sites. I then worked as a self-employed Dry Liner building metal partitions and ceilings on commercial sites across the country.
Best thing about PVC: The fantastic team and watching the students grow in confidence.
Interesting fact: I played ice hockey till I was 15 and I am also a qualified FA football coach and manage a team.
Martin Shiels
Bricklaying Tutor
Role: Bricklaying
How long have you worked at PVC? Since July 2024
Best thing about PVC: Working together with the amazing team, to help people achieve and try and make a difference for the students.
Interesting fact: I have lived in Australia and have travelled throughout Asia, Europe, Central America and South America.