HS2, along with its construction partners and extensive supply chain, has created 3,221 new jobs for out-of-work people through their employment scheme
This represents 20% of HS2’s total workforce. HS2’s expanding supply chain has a wide geographical span creating employment opportunities across Wales, the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South East.
“Helping more than 3,000 unemployed people to work is a huge achievement, and it gives me great pride to see this revolutionary infrastructure project generating thousands of high-skilled jobs right across the UK,” said rail minister Huw Merriman.
“Not only is HS2 helping people develop new, exciting careers, but once delivered, it will transform rail journeys for generations to come by connecting our communities and offering a greener way of travelling,” he continued.
HS2 worked with local authorities on the employment scheme
HS2 has created a number of partnerships with local authorities, employment support services, and charities to help and training to people seeking employment. HS2 operate specialised Skills Academies that offer free training programs, allowing individuals to develop valuable skills.
HS2’s contractors also offer work trials to candidates, providing them with first-hand industry experience and insights into career pathways and opportunities for advancement.
Through the employment scheme, candidates have earned roles in various fields, including ecology, planning, CAD and design, engineering, and plant operations, as well as supporting functions such as finance and community engagement.
“We’re exceptionally proud that we’ve helped over 3,000 unemployed people in England and Wales start a new career on HS2. Whether through apprenticeships, specialist fast-track training programmes, or referrals from our partner agencies, every candidate has gained new skills and vital work experience that will put them on track for a promising future,” said Natalie Penrose, HS2’s head of legacy.
HS2 creates career pathways for recent graduates
HS2 has also played a crucial role in transitioning university graduates into career paths aligned with their specialised fields. Over 250 students have transitioned into graduate-level positions with HS2’s construction partners immediately after graduating.
HS2 has also welcomed over 1,100 new recruits through their various apprenticeship programmes, and they are making steady progress towards the target of 2,000 apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship programmes offer a diverse array of courses, spanning from intermediate to degree level, covering areas such as carpentry, cyber security, tunnelling operatives, and environmental technicians.
The total HS2 workforce has now reached over 30,000 across 350 sites from the southeast to the northwest.
“HS2 is delivering growth for the UK economy today. Our contract awards are helping small businesses across the UK to grow and sustain their workforces, and nearly 30,000 people are benefitting from skilled jobs with a long-term future,” said Mark Thurston, CEO at HS2 Ltd.
