Businesses and the unemployed supported in skills training by HS2

New figures show that HS2 has supported hundreds of unemployed people into skills training and thousands of businesses have already won contracts.

HS2 Ltd’s skills training and education efforts appear to be successful, with new figures showing a commitment to providing opportunities and skills development. Through HS2 2,000 businesses have won work and 259 unemployed people have entered into training and work.

The HS2 Skills, Education, and Employment strategy was launched last year with the training of unemployed people laid out as one of their commitments. The size of the project means there are positions ranging from archaeology and ground preparation to civil engineering and ecology.

HS2 Ltd’s Head of Skills, Education, and Employment Kate Myers 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.”

HS2s main partner Balfour Beatty has provided a number of apprenticeships to people entering the industry for the first time. There is a particular emphasis on providing opportunities for women and BAME workers.

So far most benefits have been seen in Birmingham and the Midlands where the majority of preparation work is being conducted. Contractor LM-JV has committed to keeping skills in the area, targeting local recent graduates and those who have struggled to find work.

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