Successful NVQs for five apprentices

Successful NVQs for five apprentices

Congratulations to five of our apprentices on their successful NVQ qualifications.

Daniel Smith, David Williams Sarpong, Daniel Pang, Arsalan Aleem and Josiah Narkwa recently completed their Level 2 NVQ Diplomas in Railway Engineering.

The apprentices signed up with labour manager Nick Wells after he visited them at the College of North East London (CONEL). Before joining VGC in autumn 2016, they had successfully completed the college’s ten-week Railway Engineering pre-apprenticeship programme.

They joined the workforce we are providing to ATC Systemwide. Our teams working for ATC have been installing track, switches and crossings on Crossrail project C610. Each apprentice was placed in a group of experienced workers, and supported by a mentor. They attended college on day release, including learning reviews and online assessment training.

Developing careers

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people to start and develop their careers,” said Ciara Pryce, group services director. “Our apprenticeship programme is an important part of our people development strategy, supporting VGC’s long-term growth.”

Nick Wells, labour manager, has supported the five apprentices since they started. “They are hard workers, and have earned their places as valued members of VGC’s team on ATC’s project,” he said. “I look forward to taking on more new apprentices from CONEL.”

Simon Clamp, learning and development manager, manages VGC’s apprenticeship programme. “At VGC we have over 60 apprentices in our offices and on major projects. They are working towards NVQ level 2 and 3 qualifications in industry-related activities including general business administration, construction operations, and highways maintenance.”

Apprentice Josiah Narkwa said: “Apprenticeships give you better training in the skills you need to do the job and you get to work on real life projects. What you put in, you get out.”

Jackie Chapman of CONEL with VGC labour manager Nick Wells
Jackie Chapman of CONEL with VGC labour manager Nick Wells

Jackie Chapman, director of employability and employer engagement at CONEL, said: “I am delighted that our students have started their careers with a company that offers support and long-term career opportunities for its people.”

Read more about VGC’s apprenticeships.