In the first nine months of 2021, our people have gained 150 NVQ qualifications.
Despite the challenges of COVID, we have continued to fund all our training programmes. Much of the learning and assessment through the recent lockdowns was online. However, in partnership with SL Training Ltd and The Skills Centre, we have supported a large number of people to gain lifelong NVQs. These prove learning and expertise in particular specific work areas. NVQs include:
- Level 2 diplomas in non-hazardous waste, pipelaying, concrete finishing, site logistics, general construction and formwork
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)
- Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision – Building and Engineering
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management – General.
NVQ level 3 in Occupational Supervision allows a person to supervise work in their specific trade. NVQ level 4 in Construction Site Supervision is for supervision in all trades. If the assessor says someone is ready to achieve level 4 as soon as they’ve achieved level 3, we support them to get both qualifications.
Once a person has the level 3 supervision NVQ diploma, and a valid CSCS health and safety supervisor test, they can apply for their CSCS gold supervisor card.
Encouraging people to gain NVQs is a part of the wide-ranging personal development we offer through the VGC Academy.
At VGC we prioritise helping people to achieve their potential. We want everyone to have the chance to learn new skills, and to develop their full potential.
Some of the people who have gained NVQs are:
- Groundworks ganger Udom-Titus Udom has achieved his NVQ levels 3 and 4. Udom joined VGC on ATC Crossrail, and then moved to join our team on HS2 SCS east section, supported by labour manager Jana Romanova.
- Pardeep Singh is a concrete ganger on HS2 SCS East. He has achieved his NVQ level 3 and is working towards level 4.
- Henok Tsegaye has gained his NVQ level 3 and 4. He is a LANTRA marshal on HS2 for client SCS, having started his career with VGC as a plant and vehicle marshal. He’s also recently completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England first aid training.
- Supervisor Steve Wright, ganger Jaswinder Singh, steelfixer foreman Stefan Mihai, site supervisor Liam Duggan, and carpenter chargehand Mark Gleeson achieved NVQ levels 3 and 4. They are all part of our team working on HS2 west London for client SCS. Ganger Conor McKeon also achieved these NVQs before being promoted to labour manager on the project.
- Streetworks supervisor Mark McMahon, who works on HS2 SCS west, gained his NVQ level 3.
- Martin Garvin, supervisor on Tideway East, achieved his NVQ levels 3 and 4.
- Raducu Chioveanu and ganger Martin Kelly achieved their NVQ level 3 and 4 certificates on the National Highways M4 project where we’re supporting client Balfour Beatty Vinci JV.
- M4 earthworks gangers Gigi Falcan and Satantar Singh achieved NVQ level 3 in February 2021.
- Apprentice Benjamin Moore completed his level 2 and 3 NVQ in Framework at Sellafield.
- On HS2 for client BBV, Leigh Wright achieved his NVQ level 3 in carpentry, and Gage Wright achieved his NVQ level 2 in Formwork (Construction).
- Rakesh Jethva achieved his level 3 and 4 NVQ diplomas. Rakesh has been working as a section foreman on Crossrail at Bond Street station for client Costain Skanska JV.
- Bereket Kidane, a key influencer on Crossrail, gained his level 3 and 4.
- Section foreman on Crossrail (Westbourne Park to Whitechapel for client ATC) Elton Cala achieved his NVQ level 6 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. In addition, Elton was formally commended by the client in early 2021 for his part in achieving the build and delivery of the Paddington yard siding.
- In early August works manager Jason Elley achieved a NVQ level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management. This is the equivalent of a master’s degree or post-graduate diploma. Jason runs a number of projects for VGC, including our contract installing fibre broadband for client G.Network.
While NVQ training is generally trade-specific and technical, it paves the way for site workers to take on supervisory roles and, in turn, take the step up to managerial level. Under the umbrella of the VGC Academy, site supervisors can continue to develop their softer skills – like emotional intelligence, self-awareness, personal effectiveness, and working collaboratively – and add value beyond the normal expectations of the job.
Head of HR Laura Perry said: “I’m delighted that so many of our staff have achieved these lifelong qualifications. Thank you to our labour managers for supporting them, and I look forward to seeing their careers continue to grow.”
Steve Slater, Training Director of SL Training Ltd, said: “I would like to congratulate all at VGC who have put the time and effort into achieving their NVQs and achieving a lifelong qualification. We are proud of our partnership with VGC. VGC’s focus, communication and commitment to developing their staff is unlocking each individual’s potential for growth within their chosen field.”
Rebecca Fox, commercial manager of The Skills Centre, said: “The Skills Centre is proud to be VGC’s selected training provider. We are working in partnership to upskill the workforce including the site supervisors and site managers. I congratulate the candidates on all of their hard work and dedication during their learner journeys.”
