15 June 2017
My first year as a graduate engineer
Tahir writes: I joined VGC group on 26 September 2016 as a graduate engineer. Not having much experience as an engineer yet, I was unsure of what to expect from the company and the role as a whole. I work within the rail projects team at VGC. Rail is one of the most stringently regulated
6 June 2017
Local partnership helps people find new careers
Uxbridge students are on course with new careers in construction. Students on the ‘Hard-Hat-Ready’ course at Uxbridge College are about to start work for VGC. The two partners are helping people into new careers in construction and engineering. After visiting the college in May, labour manager Richard Bright interviewed candidates for local jobs including at
8 May 2017
Improving cable avoidance
Will writes: We’re working closely with client CVU to mitigate the risk of cable strikes. We have a major contract with CVU (Colas, Volker Highways, URS JV) to upgrade traffic signals, roads and footways in London. Unfortunately we often come across services which have not been installed to industry standards. Additions and ad hoc repairs
19 April 2017
Client commendations for John's teams
Graham writes: Recently teams led by labour manager John Daly received several commendations from clients. Manchester to Blackpool rail upgrade Gangs working on the Manchester to Blackpool line were thanked by our client Siemens. The first was an incident in Bradshaw Fields, where we are working on LOC bases on the PN21BR Manchester to Bolton
10 April 2017
Costain Blue status three times running
Our team at C412 Bond Street has achieved Costain Blue status for the third reporting period in a row. Blue status is awarded for ‘inspirational’ performance in areas including quality, safety, people, health and environment. “Well done to labour manager James Burke and the whole team for this achievement,” said Chris Ryan, director of VGC
30 March 2017
James Berry highly commended in Crossrail awards
At the Crossrail awards event on 29 March, apprentice James Berry was highly commended in the Apprenticeship Collaboration category. “This is a great achievement,” said Chris Ryan, director of VGC Labour Solutions south. “James was successful out of over 650 apprentices across the project. Well done to him, and to Lewis Bennett who was also nominated.”
23 March 2017
Shortlisted for Construction News Diversity award
We have been selected as a finalist for the Diversity Champion of the Year category 2017 Construction News Award. Shortlisted in this important category are: Balfour Beatty Carillion Highways Interserve Construction Lendlease VGC Group Vinci Construction UK This is because we promote fairness and respect and celebrate diversity across our whole workforce. We have a
27 February 2017
Becoming a BuildForce mentor
James writes: I’ve volunteered to be a mentor for BuildForce. BuildForce is a new programme to help ex-services personnel into construction and engineering. I believe I can help because I have experience of working my way up through various construction roles including general labourer site person in charge lead site person in charge and now I’m
24 February 2017
Successful audit update to 2015 standards
We have successfully made the transition to the new BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards. These replace the previous BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 quality management and BS EN ISO 14001:2004 environmental standards. The new standards formalise and improve our planning to address risks and opportunities throughout our business. They cover the scope of
8 February 2017
VGC wishes Mike a happy retirement
VGC Cole Hire has said farewell to Mike Buckingham on his retirement. As director, Mike has managed the vehicle rental business for 26 years. “During this time, Mike has offered a very professional and personal service to all our customers, both internal and external,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, VGC executive chairman. Nicki Mason has been promoted
27 January 2017
Rail engineering apprentices’ careers on track with VGC
Apprentices from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have reached the first milestone in their new careers. They will return to the college for the day on Friday 27 January, as part of their NVQ qualification process. The apprentices joined VGC Group last autumn. Each was placed within a skilled team,
26 January 2017
VGC sponsors BuildForce launch event
VGC Group is a key launch sponsor of BuildForce, a new initiative to connect service leavers with opportunities in construction and engineering. BuildForce will officially ‘go live’ at an industry event in the Fusiliers Museum at the Tower of London on Tuesday 31 January. Over 150 industry and military contacts will discuss how offering trageted
