HS2 has welcomed 412 apprentices onto the project, as it expects this number to significantly increase over the next two years
In its ‘Skills, Employment and Education Strategy’, released in 2018, HS2 Ltd committed to creating at least 2,000 apprenticeships during the life span of the project, and is now over a fifth of the way to meeting its target.
A surge in the number of people taking up apprentice roles is expected in the next two years as HS2’s supply chain expands.
Delivering meaningful training and employment
Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s head of skills, employment and education, said: “We’re passionate about delivering meaningful training and employment opportunities, and upskilling young people is vital to the country’s economic recovery.
“Apprenticeships with us, and companies within our supply chain, provide a fantastic start to working life or the opportunity for a complete career change, knowing that the ability to earn and learn is supported with a qualification.
“The scale and breadth of HS2 provides long-term career prospects and I’m delighted that many of those who joined as apprentices back in 2017 have successfully completed their course and gone on to secure full time employment on the project. It’s that long-term investment that we strive to offer that really makes a difference.”
The scale of major infrastructure programmes like HS2, and the preparatory works that take place ahead of main construction, means HS2 is capable of supporting apprenticeships in a broad range of roles.
Individuals are currently benefitting from advanced and higher-level apprenticeships in subjects from IT and site engineering to surveying and community engagement.
