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Inside ACT
Skills Spotlight: From NVQ Student to Site-Ready Specialist
27 January 2026
At ACT, we invest in our people at each stage of their career. Through a fully-funded Level 3 NVQ course, site employees can kickstart their development pathway from Carpenter through to Project Director.
Zac Driver, Site Foreman on a Notting Hill project, tells us about his learning journey to date and how this will support the next phase of his construction career.
Congratulations on completing your NVQ Level 3! Tell us a bit about your experience at ACT so far.
I joined the ACT team nearly three years ago after making the big move from Australia. I initially started as a Carpenter on one of our Kensington projects. Since then, I have worked my way up to Foreman on a large Notting Hill site, supporting our team to deliver outstanding results on behalf of our clients.
There’s a great buzz onsite, with regular BBQs and socials. It really makes for a workplace you look forward to coming to each day, all while working on some incredible London properties.
What made you decide to enrol in the NVQ Level 3?
I saw the NVQ as a great opportunity to enhance my long-term career. It not only helps me refine my craft and deepen my expertise, but it’s also a recognised qualification that opens the door to higher-level roles.
Ultimately, t’s about setting myself up for success as I continue to progress within the industry.
What is involved in completing the NVQ Level 3?
The course is mainly practical, with regular in-person assessments and support from my assessor. It’s all about showcasing your expertise through on-the-job tasks, as well as understanding the theory. Throughout the programme, I created a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates my skills, which was reviewed and sent back to me after each module with regular feedback.
As well as site management and construction expertise, the NVQ also focused on enhancing my communication skills and health and safety knowledge.
How has the NVQ allowed you to develop your skillset and prepare you for future construction roles?
It’s really helped boost my confidence and improve my leadership skills while deepening my understanding of site responsibilities. As my career advances it will give me a leg up into higher-level roles.
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the course, and how did you overcome it?
Maintaining equal focus on my day-to-day responsibilities alongside my course workload was the biggest challenge. Large construction sites often involve a lot of moving parts, which makes it easy to become absorbed in day-to-day tasks at the expense of study goals.
I found that staying in regular contact with my assessor, adhering to strict deadlines and blocking out dedicated course time in my calendar really helped. Once I found a routine that worked for me, I was able to maintain regular momentum.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about enrolling?
It’s a no-brainer, if you want to progress in your trade! Not only does it help further your construction experience, but you also gain a recognised qualification to build out your CV. Just be sure to stay organised, ask for help when needed, and make the most of the support available. Remember that your employer and assessor want you to succeed just as much as you do!
