Construction begins on National College for High Speed Rail

In joint ceremonies marking the occasion, construction work has begun on the National College for High Speed Rail in Birmingham and Doncaster.

On the 09 May 2016, construction work began on The National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR) sites in Doncaster and Birmingham. The occasion was marked by a breaking ground ceremony at Doncaster’s Lakeside and Birmingham’s university district. The College is on track to open its doors to students in September 2017.

National College for High Speed Rail due to open its doors in September 2017

The new high tech training facility will provide specialist training, skills and qualifications required to build HS2 and future rail infrastructure projects.

Commenting on the development, Minister of State for Transport Robert Goodwill, said: “This landmark moment means we are one step closer to seeing students walk through the doors of the College in 2017, learning the cutting-edge skills we need to deliver HS2 and world-beating rail infrastructure.

“This shows the transformational effect that HS2 is already having on our country – boosting skills, generating jobs and supporting economic growth – before spades are in the ground next year.”

Terry Morgan, Chair of the Corporate Board for the National College for High Speed Rail, said: “The National College for High Speed Rail is progressing at an excellent pace and I am delighted that construction is underway on both sites in Doncaster and Birmingham.

“The College will have a major and hugely positive impact on the ability of the rail industry to develop a multi-skilled specialist British workforce, capable of building HS2 and future infrastructure projects.

“It will be a catalyst for growth in both Doncaster and Birmingham that will bring new investment into the area and provide highly skilled jobs for local people.

“Birmingham City Council and Doncaster Council have carried out significant work in partnership with HS2 Ltd to help set up the structure of the College and develop the curriculum.”

Beth West, HS2 Ltd Commercial Director and member of the College Board, said: “The National College for High Speed Rail will help re-define what it means to be employed by the rail industry by attracting new people and providing the opportunity to create the diverse workforce that the industry aspires to.

“It is vital that we act now to ensure we have enough skilled people to build HS2 and the College will provide specialist vocational training for the next generation of engineers and apprentices.”