HS2 Ltd is offering work experience to students who have deferred their university place due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
HS2 is inviting 30 young people to join the organisation for a one-week virtual work experience placement, where they can work alongside and learn from some of the very best in the industry.
The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) has now written to deferral students on HS2 Ltd’s behalf to promote the placement opportunities within its engineering, environment and finance teams.
The choice of three specialist subject areas will enable students to apply for places that align with their future career aspirations and give them a valuable head start in their chosen profession.
‘Help students gain valuable skills’
Universities minister, Michelle Donelan, said: “This has been a difficult year for some students, which is why this Government announced a package of support for those who had to defer their studies, including skills programmes, career advice and a range of work placements.
“I am pleased companies like HS2 are stepping up to provide these opportunities to help students gain valuable skills and experience in specialist areas, and offering the chance to be involved in a major infrastructure project.”
In addition to learning about the challenges and unique opportunities associated with the HS2 project, students will engage with HS2 personnel, including the senior leadership team, to gain a greater insight into their day-to-day roles and how their career pathways have developed.
Richard Winter, HS2 Ltd’s education manager, commented: “Young people have been hit hard by the impacts of the pandemic, so we’ve put a number of steps in place to ensure that HS2 plays its part by supporting them with their career development.
“This is a once in a lifetime project, so understandably there’s a huge demand for work placements with us.
“We’re delighted that we’re able to welcome even more students next year, expanding on our existing commitments to support pupils from schools and colleges along the line of the railway, as well as those referred to us through our partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation.”