HS2 has partnered with Build UK for Open Doors 2023, giving a behind-the-scenes view at tunnelling sites to get young people into construction
Open Doors 2023 (13-18 March 2023) will give young people the opportunity to go behind site hoardings on busy construction sites and learn about career opportunities across the industry.
HS2 hosted the opening event for Open Doors 2023 at the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel north portal site, near Leamington Spa. It was attended by over 25 young people from Walsall and Warwickshire Colleges.
Young people visiting the site were able to learn about careers in construction
At the launch, visitors heard from Neil Johnson – BBV’s tunnels delivery director, and Doug Barnett – HS2’s senior project manager, who talked about the massive tunnelling operation currently taking place on the site.
The site is managed by HS2’s contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and is where the tunnel boring machine ‘Dorothy’ is being prepared to begin the second bore of the one-mile twin bore tunnel under an ancient woodland.
They also learned about the types of careers available on HS2, which currently supports nearly 30,000 jobs, including over 950 apprentices.
A wide array of organisations will participate in Open Doors 2023, offering site visits across the UK. Featured projects will range from tunnels to skyscrapers, as well as offices, factories and other facilities to demonstrate the off-site roles across the sector.
Open Doors 2023 will highlight the diverse range of opportunities available with HS2
The events aim to challenge perceptions and encourage young people and those looking for a change of career to consider construction.
With over 53,000 new recruits needed yearly for the next five years to maintain output, attracting young people to consider a career in the industry is essential.
In addition to familiar site-based construction roles, many available positions are based externally, with companies requiring a back-office support network, front-of-house sales teams, and cutting-edge technical roles.
Over 10 sites are already registered and available for visitors to explore throughout Open Doors Week. New sites will continue to be added until the end of February and will be available to book via the Open Doors website.
Delivered by Build UK in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Open Doors 2023 is supported by industry partners the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), Go Construct, HS2 and Skylapse Media, and community partners the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
An opportunity to gain unique insight into HS2
HS2’s senior project manager for Long Itchington Wood Tunnel, Doug Barnett said:
“Open Doors is a fantastic initiative and HS2 is delighted to be partnering with Build UK to launch next year’s event. It was great to share my own experience of working in the construction sector with the students on site today, some of whom are already starting their training on construction-related courses. They were very enthusiastic about their first-hand experience of one of HS2’s largest construction sites, and the opportunity to gain unique insight from some of the people working on the project.”
Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive of Build UK said:
“Open Doors offers young people and others an experience they wouldn’t usually have, and interest is always high. Reading a job description on a website is one thing, but there is nothing like seeing a busy construction site in action or a new building close to completion.
“It’s a unique opportunity to spend some time on site, see what goes on and maybe even see a job you would like to do, and we are really excited to be working with HS2 to showcase the positive impact of construction, along with the diverse range of people and occupations that come together to bring a project to life.”
Shilpi Akbar, head of stakeholder and communities at Balfour Beatty VINCI said:
“Open Doors provides a unique opportunity to inspire young people to consider a career in the construction and infrastructure sector and showcase the extensive opportunities available.
“As our HS2 project continues to ramp up, it has never been more important for us to work alongside local schools and colleges across the region, opening our doors to host local young people on site for the launch of this important initiative.”
