HS2 supports over 250 unemployed individuals in to work

HS2 Ltd’s initiative to upskill a new generation of workers to design and deliver the new railway has supported over 250 unemployed people into work.

The procurement models encourage a change in the approach to skills and employment, ensuring supply chains work flexibly to provide opportunities for the unemployed, disadvantaged and under-represented groups, including women and BAME communities. As a result, HS2 is helping individuals return to work, start new career pathways and enter the world of work for the first time.

Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Skills, Education and Employment, said: “HS2’s legacy will extend far beyond the revolutionary rail network it creates, thanks to the skills, employment and education opportunities it is opening up for people right across the country.

“HS2 is much more than just a railway and we are committed to ensuring that the 30,000 people we’ll need to design and build it represent a diverse, talented and highly-skilled workforce.”

The sheer scale of HS2 coupled with the programme’s multiple delivery phases means there will be a wide variety of jobs, training and placement opportunities available across the UK. These could be as diverse as ecology, archaeology, design management and civil engineering.

In the West Midlands, HS2 Ltd’s early works contractor LM-JV and main works contractor BBV and are leading by example. LM-JV is ensuring that the Midlands retains its local talent and attracts more women into the construction sector, by reaching out to local graduates who have struggled to find work.

Graduate engineer, Andreea Cojocaru, joined LM-JV in June 2018 and is now part of the design management team focusing on the design of environmental mitigation sites.

Andreea said: “This is a really challenging role, but I am learning so much and I feel like I have a definite advantage over my peer group. It’s great to be part of the team working on HS2 and I’m delighted to be starting my career working on such a transformational project.”

Omar Khalid studied Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham City University and joined LM-JV as Assistant Digital Engineer in January 2018. He said: “This role has given me the best possible start to my future. LM-JV embraces, supports and promotes diversity and I’m proud to be part of a team that draws on experience from across the world.”