We are really proud to announce that, after only 6 months in role, Nicole Klassa has secured a permanent position with Laings within their Administration department on the LLDC Here East project in Stratford.
From the very start of her apprenticeship journey, Nicole has approached every challenge with a focus and determination which has, in turn, made her an invaluable member of the Laings team within a very short space of time. A fantastic achievement. We are extremely pleased and proud to work with Laings as they have a progressive approach to apprenticeships. This approach is mirrored by LLDC who are responsible for the Here East project and are at the heart of driving local apprenticeships across the host boroughs. Without their overall support, the challenges we all face within the sector would be multiplied.
Nicole’s main aim has always been to gain as much office experience as possible. Her first job was voluntary receptionist work in a local office, just so she could add some experience to her CV. Nicole then got a part time job working front of house in a piercing parlour, where she ended up staying for 3 years. During this time, Nicole tried tirelessly to get a business admin apprenticeship and even enrolled herself onto a business course at college, but had to stop it after just a few months as her financial situation meant she had to go full time at the piercing parlour.
When Nicole arrived for interview, she instantly made a good impression with her positive attitude and clear desire to learn and develop her career. She started work with K10 on the 16th November on the Here East project, partnered with the contractor Laing O’Rourke. Her role was initially to be front of house due to her friendly nature, but it was soon evident that Nicole’s organisational skills and eye for detail would make her a much bigger asset to the site office. So much so that Laings requested to extend her stay on the project to help with the handover phase, which emphasised her importance to the team at Here East. Not too long after that, Laings confirmed they wished to offer Nicole a permanent position, offering her a pay-rise, a straight transition to a new project in Green Park and the promise that she can continue her studies whilst working for them.
Nicole (On the left) Nick Featherstone (Project Director in the middle) and Darryl Bagshaw (Assistant Document Controller on the right).
Thanks must also go to Nicole’s training provider In-Training and in particular her assessor Shefali Yadav – who have created a path to success for her and she is well on the way to completing her qualification with flying colours.
We spoke to some key stakeholders to get their thoughts on this success story…
“To be taken on direct by a host employer in just over 6 months is extremely rare, but it’s testament to Nicole’s work ethic. She has impressed everyone with her positive attitude and her ability to just get on with whatever task she is given. Nicole was a pleasure to manage and although everyone at K10 will be sad to see her go, we know she’ll continue to go on to bigger and better things in the future. Good luck.”– Jack Speckman, Apprenticeship Programme Manager, K10.
“On behalf of everyone at LLDC, I’d like to thank K10 and congratulate Nicole on her achievements. We’re glad to see that the apprenticeship scheme is still working to full effect and Nicole deserves great credit for taking her opportunity with Laings with both hands. We wish her all the best for the future.” Paolo Nistri, LLDC
And we had to finish by hearing the thoughts of the star performer herself…
‘My time with K10 has been an extremely positive experience, with the help of everyone at K10 I have managed to secure a full time position within a great company whom I enjoy working for. I was looking for a business admin apprenticeship for a very long time with no luck until I came across K10 who supported me so much from the beginning and right the way through. It’s great to have that extra support when starting a new job because it can be daunting. I always felt like I could approach my apprenticeship manager Jack with any questions I had or with anything I was unsure of and he would always advise and support me with everything. I am grateful to K10 for helping me to kick start my career and I look forward to my future with Laing O’Rourke.’
One of the many success stories that make what K10 and their partners do, so rewarding and meaningful. Well done all.
For more info on K10 and our award-winning apprenticeship programme, please get in touch here.
