Midlands programme opens to train women in construction skills

A new training programme in the West Midlands will teach women construction skills ahead of HS2 arriving in Birmingham.

The new programme will prepare the West Midlands for HS2 by encouraging women into new careers through construction skills training. The programme will feature 2-week employability course, which will include the opportunity for applicants to gain their CSCS card, followed by a 4-week work experience placement at one of a number of HS2’s supply chain companies, in addition to opportunities for placements at HS2 Ltd.

The programme has been designed in partnership with Women into Construction, HS2 Ltd, South and City College, West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council. Work placements will be available to those on the course including roles in ecology, civil engineering, design and archaeology with West Midlands based companies including LMJV, BBV, WSP, Eiffage Kier and Fusion.

Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Skills, Employment and Education, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for women in the region to find out more about HS2 and the role that they can play in transforming our railways and the UK economy.”

“HS2 opens up career opportunities in so many fields and this is a great way to find out about the jobs coming up, 7,000 people have already played a role in delivering HS2 and we want to see more women in the 30,000 roles the project will support.”

HS2 is aiming to provide jobs for local people and disadvantaged groups where work is being undertaken. The West Midlands is a central area for phase one of construction, demolition work has already been completed on some central sites and major construction is planned for the area.

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