HS2 Ltd has launched a brand-new jobs site to promote the estimated 20,000 roles that phase one of the project is expected to create in the months and years ahead
The new digital platform offers those looking for work or a change of career, the opportunity to search the very latest vacancies with HS2’s construction partners and station contractors delivering the London – Birmingham section of the railway.
The jobs board is the first time that opportunities to work on HS2, within the supply chain, have been brought together in one place, making it easier for job seekers to navigate and find a job that matches their career aspirations.
HS2 Ltd’s new jobs board been developed as part of a job brokerage partnership model, which brings together local authorities, enterprise partnerships, charities and employment support services along the 140-mile route of the first phase of the new railway.
HS2’s job brokerage partners will play an integral role in supporting individuals from local communities, disadvantaged and underrepresented groups into employment on the project, in line with objectives set out in HS2 Ltd’s Skills, Employment and Education Strategy.
HS2 has already supported 13,000 jobs, including over 400 new apprenticeship starts and over 550 individuals who were previously unemployed.
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, HS2 Ltd and its contractors have also supported over 100 work experience placements, in a bid to ensure that individuals are actively engaged with the programme and have the very best opportunity to capitalise on future career openings.
The start of main construction works in September 2020 was a catalyst for the project, spearheading £12bn of contract opportunities which British businesses are beginning to bid for.
As HS2’s tier-one contractors begin the process of procuring the suppliers and services they need to deliver their work packages, the number of job opportunities on the project will grow.
This heightened demand has created new career pathways and long-term career prospects for individuals at all levels, in both blue and white-collar roles.
Connecting people to fresh possibilities
Minister for employment, Mims Davies, said: “As we look ahead, helping so many people to secure new employment is vital to our recovery and is exactly why we’ve invested £30bn in our Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create opportunities across our communities.”
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson, commented: “HS2 will play a vital role in kickstarting the UK’s economic recovery as we build back better from Covid-19. In fact, it is already doing so, with 13,000 jobs supported so far.
“I’d encourage anyone who is interested in working on the UK’s largest infrastructure project to check the new HS2 jobs board, whether you work in health and safety, engineering, catering, logistics, or the many other sectors where HS2 is already creating huge opportunities.”
Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s head of skills, employment and education, added: “HS2 has a crucial role to play in the UK’s economic recovery and fightback from Covid-19.
“We are creating and sustaining thousands of jobs in the UK starting right now when people need them most.
“Our new job brokerage model is an important step in simplifying the job search process, and ensuring individuals receive guidance and support so that pathways into employment on HS2 are accessible for all.”
