VolkerHighways

VolkerSmart Technologies is exhibiting at the London EV Show this November! Visit us on Stand EP80 for all your EV charging point contractor needs – from site surveys and designs through to civil work, reinstatement and ongoing maintenance. ⚡🚗 📅 26th-28th November 2024 📍 ExCel, London Connect with our EV specialists, Mike H. and David Easton and discover how VolkerSmart Technologies can support your next project. Get your free tickets here: https://shorturl.at/8rbrk #LondonEVShow #DrivingtheFuture

Recently, we launched the 2nd cohort of the VolkerWessels UK EMPOWER female career development programme. Twelve individuals from across all five business units attended the first two modules held in London and hosted by our partner organisation, Skills 4 and the brilliant Michelle Lewis (FLoL) as the trainer/mentor. The programme is dedicated to advancing female talent and fostering an inclusive work environment. It not only boosts participants confidence but enables them to develop a targeted action plan for success.

We’re delighted to announce Darren Robinson, Street Lighting Operative working on our BCP contract, has received the ‘Highly Commended’ Award in the Intermediate Apprenticeship of the Year category at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. This category recognises apprentices that have made impressive progress in their career to date. 👏🏆 Darren began his apprenticeship in 2022 and completed it earlier this year. Alongside his work, Darren has been completing his Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Highways Electrical Systems – Public Lighting. In addition to this, Darren passed his Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English which ran alongside the apprenticeship. This is a national recognised qualification and a challenge as Darren left school in 1991. Commenting on his award, Darren said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive the Highly Commended Award in the Apprentice of the Year category at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. This award is a reflection of the effort and hard work I have put in over the past two years. Being recognised for my achievements has not only boosted my confidence but has also inspired me to continue to learn and progress every day. I’m excited to seeing what my future holds at VolkerHighways.”   Well done, Darren! This achievement is truly well-earned! ✨

Last week, we were delighted to welcome two street lighting enthusiasts to our Wimbledon depot servicing our Kingston and Sutton street lighting contract! 💡 Upon expressing their interest in our old lanterns, we offered them the opportunity to visit our depot and learn first-hand from our street lighting experts. Chester and Daniel (aged 18 and 13) gained insight into how we identify and repair faults, the benefits of modern street lighting for communities and the future of street lighting! They also explored the fascinating history of street lighting — from the early gas lamps to the modern LED lights we see today. 🔥➡️💡 We also discussed why street lighting has evolved over the years, such as improved energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and reducing light pollution. 🌍 Thank you for joining us Chester and Daniel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

New look for Alice Park Cycleway in Bath 🛴🚸🌲 Our Bath & North East Somerset Council team has enhanced the mini cycleway in Alice Park, where children can practise their cycling and road safety skills. The park features a roundabout, zebra crossings and stop junctions which have been refreshed with new road markings. A new bench and road signs have also been installed. On Monday, VolkerHighways and Bath & North East Somerset Council celebrated the improvements with local Councillors at Alice Park Cycleway with an educational talk with children from nearby Alice Park nursery. Find out more here: https://shorturl.at/TjSWD ✨

Last week marked the start of our new Street Lighting Term Maintenance contract on behalf of Somerset Council and we are thrilled to welcome our newest team members to VolkerHighways! 🙌 With all hands on deck, the successful mobilisation of this project has set the foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey for the next 8-12 years 💡 We’re eager to get out into the community, meet local residents, and make a lasting, positive impact— ensuring Somerset shines brighter than ever before! 💬 David Easton, Operations Director for VolkerHighways said: "It’s fantastic to see the team come together so seamlessly. This is only the beginning of an exciting partnership in Somerset, and we look forward to lighting up the next decade!"   💬 Matthew Lovell, Contracts Manager for VolkerHighways said: "The mobilisation of this contract was a true testament to the enthusiasm and hard work of our team. We're ready to make a difference in the community!"   🔦 Looking to join us? We’ll soon be advertising exciting operational roles to grow our Somerset team! Please keep your eyes peeled for advertised roles or email us at recruitment1@volkerwessels.co.uk . Alternatively, check out our recruitment platform https://shorturl.at/J52ns

We are delighted to introduce you to Matt Barnes, Graduate Engineer, who we met through our social value portal more than two years ago. At the time, Matt was studying for a Civil and Architecture Engineering Degree at Bath University and was seeking a year-long industrial training placement with VolkerHighways.👷🏻♂️🎓 Upon joining the business for a year-long placement in 2022, he spent time with our Bath & North East Somerset and Medway contracts, where he quickly became a part of the team. After completing the placement, VolkerHighways saw Matt’s potential and sponsored his final two years at University. Matt subsequently returned to the business during his summer breaks. When asked if he would recommend an industrial training placement, he said: "Absolutely, yes. Completing a contracting placement with VolkerHighways really opened my eyes into how the whole engineering industry works as my studies at university only really covered the design side. This led to me having a much broader knowledge base at the end of my degree which I can now build upon going forward." Read Matt's blog here - https://shorturl.at/GXXLT 

‘Inspire and be Inspired’ was the key message to 130 female employees at our first Women in Construction Networking event, held at our Hoddesdon Head Office on Tuesday. In addition to being able to network and share experiences, females working in VolkerFitzpatrick, VolkerHighways and VolkerServices, heard an inspirational and motivational presentation by Build UK’s Chief Executive, Suzannah Nichol OBE 💙💛. Suzannah shared ‘10 things she wished she knew’ before embarking on her successful career in construction. She provided practical takeaways with a focus on confidence, stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning to prioritise busy lives based on your own values. Also joining the event were PPE suppliers Lee Brothers and Rock Fall who showcased their wide range of PPE, designed specifically for women. This supports ongoing companywide trials to enhance PPE offerings. More info here https://lnkd.in/eHa6rD3V #WomenInConstruction #DiversityInclusion #construction #infrastructure

VolkerHighways was recently approached by Little Stars Pre-School, part of the Centre for Youth and Community Development in Luton, to resurface the driveway to their nursery, a project that would have been too costly without our assistance. 👩🏫✨ Facilitated by Luton Borough Council, VolkerHighways funded the resurfacing and re-lining of the driveway as a gesture of goodwill to enable the charity to continue to support over 5,000 local people each year through their wide range of services for people aged between one and pensioners. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eejqbBkh 🔉🎤 Listen to an interview with Councillor Javed Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy at Luton Council and Tahir Khan, Trustee for CYCD, about the transformation.

Our Medway team has been formally recognised by Medway Education Business Partnership for being a valued partner, committed to supporting the workforce of tomorrow! 👏 This year to date, the contract has hosted five student placements from four different schools, with students ranging from 14-16 years old. ✨ Our first placement was led by The Education People’s Skills and Employability Service for a Workplace Visit Pilot Project aimed at providing short and focused experiences for pre-16 years. He was the first student to enter the Medway Tunnel! ✨ Two students, including an EAL student, a term used to describe learners who speak English as an additional language, joined us to learn about the administration and commercial aspects of the contract. ✨ A student who excelled in assisting the administration team, joined us for a week, and since completing her placement has secured full-time employment in a local nursery! ✨ Lastly, another student explored the commercial operations during her placement and has since expressed an interest in pursuing a career in surveying. 👉 If you are interested in work experience/placements with VolkerHighways, please request our support here: https://shorturl.at/eGxBU