HS2 Ltd have received the Gold Award from The 5% Club for its investment in employees and their continued development.
The 5% Club’s 2021 Employer Audit Scheme recognised HS2’s commitment to developing employees through ‘earn and learn’ schemes.
These schemes include HS2’s annual intake on apprenticeship and graduate programmes.
During the lifespan of the project HS2 has pledged to create 2,000 apprenticeships and has already welcomed over 650 new apprentices.
HS2 was shortlisted for the award for increasing the employment and career prospects of young people.
HS2 believe the award serves as recognition of their commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
Karen David, Talent and Development Manager at HS2 said: “We’re delighted to achieve the Gold Award.
“[The award] recognises our year-on-year commitment to upskilling the next generation of professionals across the rail and construction sectors.
“Our investment in ‘skills for life’ is helping to plug the skills gap.
“Creating a future talent pool that will thrive and benefit the UK economy for decades to come.”
The 5% Club includes 600 employer members who are taking action to provide inclusive and accessible workplace training.
Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club spoke on how the award recognises HS2’s commitment to employee development.
Mr Cameron said: “We set out to create a scheme that recognises the efforts of all those employers who invest in their workforce.
“Through a broad range of workplace learning schemes.
“It is fantastic that in these challenging times HS2 Ltd has been able to commit to the Employer Audit.
“Their efforts and achievements are to be applauded.”
HS2 recruits new graduates and apprentices each year and will be opening the recruitment window for 12 new graduates next month.
A further 25 apprentices will be recruited in February 2022.
