As this year’s National Apprenticeship Week gets underway HS2 is launching its apprenticeship recruitment programme with 80 vacancies going live this week.
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’ and HS2 is doing this by recruiting talented individuals to work on its projects.
More vacancies will become live in the coming months and weeks as HS2 looks to expand its already 20,000 strong workforce.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson spoke on the recruitment drive to get more apprentices working on the high speed rail project.
Mr Stephenson said: “HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime investment.
“Driven not only by the Government’s commitment to boost transport across the nation… but to create long lasting, highly skilled jobs across the UK.
“We’re doing just that - 825 apprentices less than 18 months into construction is an incredible achievement.
“[This] will be invaluable in plugging the skills gap across the UK and helping the nation build back better.”
Opportunities will be available with HS2 in Warwickshire, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London for 22 new apprentices.
These level 3 and 4 programmes will be offered in subject areas ranging from Surveying Technician to Cyber Security Technologist and Commercial Procurement and Supply.
Balfour Beatty VINCI are leading the construction of HS2 in the West Midlands will be hiring 25 new apprentices.
These roles will be in Information Technology, Design, Civil Engineering, Business Support, Health and Safety and Quantity Surveying.
HS2’s construction partner for the central section of the route EKFB joint venture is searching for 11 new apprentices.
These roles will be within two of the businesses parent companies Eiffage and Ferrovial Construction.
Align joint venture will also be hiring a further two apprentices as it looks to continue work on the UK’s longest railway bridge – The Colne Valley Viaduct.
HS2’s partnership with the Society for Land References (SoLR) and the National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure (NCATI) has also made new apprenticeship openings.
This level 4 apprenticeship will see employers including Mott McDonald and WSP partner with NCATI to provide 20 new apprentices the chance to build a career in land referencing.
Mark Thurston, former apprentice and CEO at HS2 Ltd spoke on the importance of apprentice opportunities within the rail and construction sectors.
Mr Thurston said: “Reaching the 825-apprentice milestone so early in the project’s delivery is a fantastic achievement.
“[This is] a sign of our commitment to ensure that HS2 leaves a lasting skills legacy.
“Our continued investment in future talent is helping to address the UK’s skills gap.
“[The investment ensures] we have a highly-skilled workforce in place to deliver HS2 and major infrastructure projects of the future.”
HS2 has pledged to create 2,000 apprenticeship opportunities over the length of the high speed rail project.
With 825 new apprentices already on board since main construction work began HS2 is well on pace to meet this target.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week HS2 and its construction partners are supporting 40 careers events along its route.
More information about HS2’s apprenticeship vacancies can be found at hs2.org.uk/careers.
