Natalia Lagos, apprentice
Natalia joined VGC’s apprenticeship programme in April 2021. She is working towards her NVQ level 3 Diploma in Business Administration through Harrow College.
When Natalia first met VGC, she wasn’t really enjoying her A-levels. She realised she wanted a new challenge and working experience. After an interview with labour manager Jana Romanova and head of delivery Chris O’Sullivan, Natalia joined the VGC team on HS2 for client SCS. The site in West Ruislip is easy for her to reach from her home in Wembley.
“As soon as Jana explained what the apprenticeship would involve, I wanted to take it on,” she said. She was delighted to exchange A-levels in psychology, history and sociology for what she describes as “a taste of the real world.”
Her role has taught her many aspects of VGC’s work, and she’s relishing learning the huge range of tasks involved in running a successful infrastructure project. She assists Jana with resourcing, matching competencies to roles, checking compliance, CSCS or CPCS cards, registration forms, booking inductions, right through to timesheets.
The job is very interesting, and I really like the variety. I’m working with a wide range of other people, and developing skills you can’t get from your A-levels.
“Natalia is picking the role up really quickly”, said Jana. “I’ve been giving her more and more responsibility and she’s really supporting me in all I do. She’s adding genuine value to the project and I see a bright future ahead of her.”
“Jana is very good to work with, and I really enjoy engaging with all the different people on the project, on site and in the office, and hearing their views,” Natalia continued. “I recommend an apprenticeship with VGC to other young people who aren’t sure that A-levels are right for them. Instead of staying in the school environment, it’s an opportunity to do something completely different, and earn a wage while you learn.”