HS2 Ltd says the high-speed rail project has generated 412 apprenticeship positions to date.
In 2018 HS2 Ltd published its Skills, Employment and Education Strategy, in which it said it would create a minimum of 2,000 apprenticeships over the course of the project. This current figure means HS2 Ltd is 20 percent there.
As construction ramps up on the project, HS2’s supply chain will increase. The greater number of companies working on the project will in turn generate a rise in the number of apprenticeship positions available.
“We're passionate about delivering meaningful training and employment opportunities, and upskilling young people is vital to the country's economic recovery.
“Apprenticeships with us, and companies within our supply chain, provide a fantastic start to working life or the opportunity for a complete career change, knowing that the ability to earn and learn is supported with a qualification.
“The scale and breadth of HS2 provides long-term career prospects and I'm delighted that many of those who joined as apprentices back in 2017 have successfully completed their course and gone on to secure full time employment on the project. It's that long-term investment that we strive to offer that really makes a difference.”
Because of the major scale of HS2, including the preparatory works prior to main construction, means it is able to support apprenticeships in a very wide range of roles so that there will be opportunities for people with a wide range of interests, such as IT, site engineering, surveying and community engagement.
More than 100 of the apprenticeship positions are with HS2’s main works construction companies.
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