The VGC Group offers a variety of apprenticeships as part of a wide-ranging development programme. The company offers apprenticeships, work experience, internships and an ICE-approved graduate training scheme, as well as running a Women into Construction programme, to support people into the construction industry.
VGC won the Training award in the inaugural CECA Infrastructure 21 awards, and a Crossrail Sustainability award for ‘Maximising Employment Opportunities’. Their apprenticeship programme covers NVQ level 2 and 3 placements in various industry-related activities, including general business administration, construction operations, and track maintenance and engineering.
Nirvana’s story
Nirvana joined VGC as an apprentice when she left school in 2011. She is now a valued member of the Group Services team.
During her apprenticeship, Nirvana achieved her level 2 Business and administration NVQ after eight months – far earlier than is usual – and won a Hillingdon Training award for outstanding achievement. After she accepted a permanent position at VGC, she went on to achieve her level 3 NVQ.
As airport passes co-ordinator, she managed the considerable administration requirements for airside passes for all staff at Heathrow and Gatwick. Now she is an HR assistant, managing all of VGC’s workers on London Underground.
Nirvana said: “I was very pleased to get the apprenticeship, and I didn’t realise it would lead to such a responsible permanent position.
“I took nine months out on maternity leave when my daughter, Honey-Bleu, was born, and I now work four days a week. I really enjoy my job and I like the balance of a challenging position at VGC and having time with my daughter.”