HS2 is celebrating 1,126 confirmed apprenticeship starts, keeping on track to create 2,000 apprenticeships in addition to its 30,000 strong existing workforce
Demand for HS2 apprenticeships has grown exponentially since the pandemic, with 715 new starters recorded since March 2020.
The total number of new starters has reached 1,126, putting the company building Britain’s new railway on track for their 2,000 apprenticeships target. Courses are available at intermediate to degree level in roles such as carpentry, cyber security, tunnelling operatives and environmental technicians.
HS2 career pathways are now supported in over 40 different apprenticeship types, with education and training provided by colleges and universities across the country.
HS2’s 1,000th apprentice – 30-year-old Jessica Miles from North London, says she’s following her dream
30-year-old Jessica Miles from Cockfosters, North London desired a career in Human Resources but found it difficult to secure a job without the relevant qualifications or industry experience, having worked retail fashion for six years.
In 2022, Jessica joined HS2’s construction partner Align joint venture on a two-year Level 5 HR Consultant apprenticeship, where she combines work with study at West Herts College.
Jessica said: “It just goes to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. I was 30 when I started my apprenticeship, but my college education meant I was able to begin studying at Level 5, so I’m on track to gain a fantastic qualification that will really boost my career.
“I’m working on the biggest infrastructure project in Europe, helping to recruit a talented workforce to deliver the amazing construction challenges I see in front of me every day. I’m not just building my career, but helping thousands of others too, and we’re all working together to deliver this once in a lifetime project. It’s amazing!”
Delivering long term benefit to the UK economy
Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, who began his career as an apprentice, said: “Creating early career opportunities and investing in the development of a skilled workforce delivers both immediate and long-term benefits to the UK economy, as well as giving us the opportunity to become a world-leader in high speed rail.
“Every person at the heart of that investment is helping to transform our railways and make city to city travel cleaner, greener and more reliable for future generations. There’s a great sense of pride about what we’re achieving at HS2, including the legacy that we’re creating.”
