The HS2 apprenticeship was one of six ‘green’ apprenticeships that have been recognised in honour of the King’s coronation
The Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (level 4) HS2 Apprenticeship was chosen for the award by a panel of industry experts from a list of 200 apprenticeships.
Skills and employment leaders from HS2 Ltd, Royal London, Fujitsu, NG Bailey, Morgan Sindall, Network Rail and Sainsbury’s worked together in cooperation with legal firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP. Together they developed the new apprenticeship standard.
Over 18 months, the group worked together to document evidence of the industry skills gap. They then made a case for creating a new level 4 apprenticeship.
The HS2 apprenticeship can help the green economy
The team demonstrated the importance of the apprenticeship in their respective organisations. They highlighted the potential for apprentices to propel the green industry forward and create economic growth.
“HS2 will be net zero carbon in operation, and every day we are challenging our supply chain to help us cut carbon in construction as we strive to be one of the world’s most environmentally friendly infrastructure projects,” said Jullie Venn Morton, senior legacy manager at HS2.
“We’ve committed to creating 2,000 apprenticeships for people of all ages, and we knew this would be a valuable addition to the range of skills and employment opportunities we offer. This role is instrumental in how we support the Government’s drive to reach net zero and plays a valuable role in the work we do supporting communities affected by HS2’s construction,” she continued.
Beatriz Ramos Albert, a 32-year-old former lawyer from Valencia, was offered the opportunity to take part in the HS2 apprenticeship scheme. When the company officially launched in 2021, it became one of the first UK-based companies to hire for this role.
Relocating to Birmingham, Beatriz joined HS2 Ltd, paving the way for her professional journey.
“I am passionate about people and driving change which enhances the lives of individuals and communities, so this was the perfect role for me,” said Beatriz.
“I’m almost two years into my apprenticeship, and I’m delighted that this role has received this accolade. HS2 is setting new standards in the way it delivers this monumental project, and thousands of people, businesses, and communities are benefitting along the way. I’m proud to play a part in that and look forward to what the future holds,” she added.
HS2 has created several apprenticeship schemes
Since their inception, several HS2 apprenticeship schemes across various roles have been created. They recently announced they were working with Tunnelcraft to recruit ten new tunnelling operative apprentices.
During their apprenticeship, candidates will undergo an eight-week classroom training programme divided into one-week blocks. Following the classroom phase, apprentices will learn the practical aspects of the job, working in both underground and overground tunnelling operations.
