HS2 is working alongside Women into Construction (WiC), an independent nonprofit organisation, to help more women in the Midlands to enter the construction industry
A specialised four-week training programme designed for women in construction has been created by HS2.
The course will begin in October and will include two weeks of training, followed by a two-week practical experience on HS2 sites.
The programme will also include personalised guidance from Women in Construction.
Childcare and transportation expenses will be covered during the course of the training programme. Once complete, participants will gain a construction skills certification, qualifying them to work on construction sites.
The course offers diverse career paths for women in construction
The practical experience segment of the training allows candidates to choose between on-site or office-based roles. These roles cover a range of opportunities, such as project management, corporate social responsibility, and engineering.
“Our partnership with WiC is now in its fourth year, and we’ve supported local women from a broad range of backgrounds, whether university graduates or new mums returning to the workplace, to start new careers,” said Beatriz Ramos Albert, HS2’s corporate responsibility & sustainability apprentice, who is coordinating the programme.
“I’d encourage anyone looking for help to get back into work to come along to our information day. The four-week course is free of charge and is a great way for women to boost their confidence, gain experience and link up with companies in our supply chain that are actively recruiting,” she added.
HS2 has provided an employment boost in the Midlands
A total of 1,123 individuals from the West Midlands who were previously unemployed have earned new careers with HS2. A workforce of 9,750 is contributing to the construction of HS2 in the Midlands region.
“I was struggling to find work after studying, and it really knocked my confidence. I joined the programme and spent two weeks on placement with the team working to deliver HS2’s Curzon Street Station,” said 25-year-old Riswana from Coventry graduated from HS2’s Women into Construction programme in January.
“The work experience and one-to-one support I received with my CV and interview technique was exactly what I needed,” she added.
HS2 has generated 3,221 job opportunities for unemployed people
HS2 has worked with a wide construction partners and suppliers to generate 3,221 job opportunities for people previously unemployed. This accounts for 20% of HS2’s overall workforce.
The growing supply chain of HS2 covers Wales, the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South East, leading to job openings in these regions as well as the midlands.
“Women in Construction are delighted to be delivering another employment programme with HS2, as part of our longstanding partnership with them. The bespoke programme has been carefully created with HS2 to provide women with a fantastic opportunity to understand more about the world of construction,” said Jacqui Wordsworth, director of business development at Women into Construction
“We are very grateful to HS2 for the commitment they have shown in helping to address the gender imbalance which exists in the industry, and we look forward to welcoming more women onto the programme,” she concluded.
