HS2 begins massive recruitment drive as construction moves closer
Posted: 30 June 2020 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
As the beginning of major construction work moves closer, HS2 has announced that it has begun recruiting for hundreds of new jobs across the entire high-speed rail project.
HS2 employees on site at Curzon Street Station. Credit: HS2 Ltd
Hundreds of vacancies across a broad range of disciplines – from engineering and project management to land and property, procurement and commercial – are amongst those to be advertised from 30 June 2020 as part of a three-month direct-recruitment drive at HS2 Ltd, the company leading the design and construction of Britain’s new low carbon, high-speed railway, which will connect over 30 million people.
Over 300 of the roles will be based in Birmingham, West Midlands, and the new roles that have been announced will push the total number of jobs the project has supported to over 10,000 once recruited.
The jobs boost stems from the government’s backing of the project in spring 2020 and its placing HS2 as integral to the ‘levelling up’ agenda, which will boost regional economies outside of London, improve the UK’s railways and deliver a cleaner, greener transport solution.
Minister of HS2, Andrew Stephenson, said: “These jobs are a welcome boost for workers across the country at this challenging time, providing the opportunity to play a crucial part in delivering HS2, an integral part of improving connectivity and levelling up our country. We continue to work with the transport and construction industry to accelerate projects, where safely possible, to kickstart our economy, provide more employment opportunities and drive our recovery as we build out of COVID-19.”
Major construction of HS2’s first phase, between Birmingham and London, is now just weeks away. HS2 now needs to bolster its workforce so that it can press ahead with delivering this transformative project.
Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, said: “With many people facing uncertain job security and worried about future prospects in the current crisis, I hope that this will be welcome news for anyone seeking a long-term and rewarding career with a company that places health, safety, equality and diversity at the very top of its priority list. As part of the HS2 team, you’ll be shaping British history; transforming our Victorian railways and supporting the regeneration and economic prosperity of towns and cities right along the route.”
The size and scale of HS2 offers a broad range of career opportunities. Applicants who may not have traditionally considered a career in the construction and rail engineering sectors are encouraged to sign up to HS2’s talent pools for a skills match assessment. Where there is a skills match, which takes account of essential and transferrable skills, applicants will be invited to apply for roles.
HS2 seeks to be an exemplar of equality, diversity and inclusion and is actively supporting career pathways and opportunities for young people and those whose backgrounds have been disproportionally affected from the impact of COVID-19.
