13 December 2018
December 2018 company update
Our biannual staff meeting was held on 11 December in Cardinal House. Thanks for a successful 2018 Executive chairman Sean Fitzpatrick thanked everyone for their work this year, particularly those who achieved in extreme weather. Sean welcomed twelve new members of staff, most of them in newly created posts, a sign of how well VGC
3 December 2018
Lewis Bennett completes his apprenticeship
Lewis Bennett has finished his apprenticeship. As a qualified groundworker, he is now set for a successful career. Lewis works for client Balfour Beatty on the Crossrail Woolwich Box C530 project. “Well done to Lewis – he is a role model for new apprentices,” said his labour manager Mark Beer. “He is very punctual and
26 November 2018
NVQ apprenticeship successes at Hinkley Point
Congratulations to Scott McKay and Mike Jennings on successfully completing their apprenticeships at Hinkley Point power station. They have gained Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Construction Operations which includes a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services. Both of them are working for client Kier Bam JV on the deep dig at Hinkley
22 November 2018
'Act Ethically and Transparently' Skanska award
Skanska presented VGC with the ‘Act Ethically and Transparently’ award at their inaugural infrastructure supply chain awards ceremony. The six awards given on the night were: Care for Life – won by Aggregate Industries Act Ethically and Transparently – won by VGC Group Be Better – Together – won by Byrne Bros Commit to Customers –
20 November 2018
Leading the way against modern slavery in construction
Ciara writes: Construction News has recently published a report highlighting worker exploitation through modern slavery practices in the construction sector. This comes just days after six Romanian men in their 20s were rescued from alleged slavery in east London on 13 November. How many more reports like this will we have to read before the
13 November 2018
Positive feedback from Building Confidence audit
Auditors praised VGC’s processes in the annual Achilles Building Confidence audit. We demonstrate compliance and improvement against the UK construction industry’s accreditation and registration standard through regular audits. Since 2011 the Building Confidence audits by Achilles have noted areas where we lead best practice. Elements where VGC demonstrates leadership within the field have repeatedly included safety,
17 October 2018
Enterprise adviser Kim joins national advisory group
Skills and employment adviser Kimberley McGinty has been invited to share her expertise with a national advisory group. The invitation recognises her exemplary work as an enterprise adviser in London. Kimberley is one of only two enterprise advisers, out of 180 in the London area, chosen to sit on the Enterprise Adviser Advisory Group. This is
1 October 2018
Career Ready partnership promotes construction careers
We have partnered with UK-wide charity Career Ready to inspire more young people to consider a career in construction. Three VGC senior managers – managing director Laurence Mckidd, group services director Ciara Pryce and HR manager Laura Perry – have volunteered to join the charity’s local advisory boards. They will partner with seven schools and
21 September 2018
Sudarshan Deshmukh promoted to IT director
We’re pleased to announce that Sudarshan Deshmukh has been promoted to the role of IT director. Sudarshan Deshmukh, also known as ‘SD’, has worked for VGC for 12 years. He joined as an IT assistant and was promoted to deputy IT manager in 2009, becoming IT manager in 2011. During his time at VGC he
17 September 2018
Giving young people an insight into construction
Kim writes: I work with a lot of students in my role as VGC Group’s skills and employment advisor. It is so important to give young people an insight into the world of construction and engineering, especially if it’s outside their regular experience. And it’s vital to talk to girls about the career opportunities open
13 September 2018
Apprenticeships key to social mobility and economic growth
Improving social mobility, and better education and training, are key to addressing the UK’s productivity gap, says a new report from The 5% Club. In its report, the group sets out recommendations for business leaders and government to drive social mobility while ensuring inclusive growth. Six per cent of VGC staff are currently enrolled on
7 September 2018
Tackling modern slavery in construction
Ciara writes: Preventing modern slavery is something I feel passionate about. I’m proud of the way we are working to remove the risk of labour exploitation within our company and our industry. It’s not a small problem. The Global Slavery Index estimates that 45.8 million people are caught in slavery today. The International Labour Organisation
