In total 11 VGC Hinkley Point apprentices achieved industry qualifications in the first three months of 2019.
The apprentices gained NVQ and BTEC diplomas in construction and civil engineering that will be of value to them for the rest of their careers.
They qualified with the NVQ level 2 Diploma in Construction and Civils Operations, and also the BTEC Diploma in Construction Operations.
Concrete finisher Andrew White said: “Although I have been involved in the construction industry for a number of years, I have never been given a chance to formalise my knowledge with a qualification.
“I am pleased to have completed the course and hope to achieve more in the future.”
Plant operator Reggie McGuire added: “The NVQ has helped me to develop my knowledge.”
Installer Gareth Jennings agreed: “This has been very beneficial. I would like to thank the project and Daniel [Cooke] for supporting me through this.”
Groundworkers Giles De St Croix and Jonathan Barlow also confirmed that they are keen to take the opportunities VGC offers to progress their careers in construction.
Labour manager Daniel Cooke manages all VGC’s labour at Hinkley Point. He commented on the way they have embraced the opportunity to develop their skills. “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the development of these key members of our workforce. I look forward to the next stage in their careers.”
Groundworker Andrew Dawes said: “I found the scheme very beneficial and would recommend this approach to any new entrants to the industry.”
Since 2016 VGC has been a major supplier of skilled trades and labour to Kier Bam joint venture for the construction of Hinkley Point C. Our teams of pipelayers and groundworkers are key to the enabling works and earthworks for the new nuclear power station.
In 2018 VGC supported a total of 77 apprentices and had 30 staff taking NVQs.
Based on the successes so far, we will continue to roll out our apprenticeship scheme across all major projects.
James Callaghan, VGC’s operations manager southwest, said “We support life-long learning for all our people. Our industry needs to continually innovate to ensure we create a safer, more productive environment for everyone. We will continue to provide opportunities for learning and development.”
