This week apprentice plasterers, under the supervision of Barry Anderson Training Services, rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand in plastering the Ballarat State Emergency Service headquarters in Gillies St.

Mr Ackroyd said the apprentices completed tasks they may not have been given the opportunity to in their day-to-day jobs.

"Some of the guys are doing things they've never done," he said.

For the Ballarat SES, the assistance was welcome.

SES staff officer Phil White said it was "absolutely fantastic" to have the help.

He said after four years the headquarters was almost complete.

"They've been able to get a lot more done than we would be able to do ourselves," he said.

"We're hoping to have it finished in about two months."

Mr White said the morale of SES volunteers would be boosted when the headquarters was finished.

"For the past four years they've basically been coming to a construction site," he said.

The project had been largely funded by the SES unit itself.

When the works were complete, Mr White said, the unit would try to find funding for stage two, which would include a mezzanine floor with a lounge-type room for volunteers, as well as an outside barbecue area.

"This is really just the start," he said.

Ballarat Associated Plaster first year apprentice Adam Stainer said he was looking forward to cornicing at the site.

"It's been good experience," he said. "It's been a change from normal work."