Over 100 businesses in the East Midlands have won work on HS2 contracts so far according to HS2 Ltd, which is in the process of setting out its programme of skills and employment. HS2 Ltd says a whole generation of engineers, designers, architects and geologists will benefit from the construction of the new high speed railway as the project gears up to support 30,000 jobs and create opportunities for British businesses to upskill their workforce.
As the programme moves to construction, the number of roles supported by HS2 is forecast to reach 15,000, says the organisation. Chief executive of HS2 Ltd, said: “Our skills strategy, now launched, shows how we will create a sustainable pipeline of jobs and skills for companies across the whole country, which boost regional economies and help Britain compete internationally. “Our programme will tackle the skills challenges faced by the wider transport infrastructure sector, and ensure the UK has the best skills to deliver HS2 as well as major infrastructure projects in the future.”
As part of the Laing O’Rourke Group, they have won a joint venture contract with LM to supple major bridges as part of the early works on Phase One of the project. The modular components will be manufactured at Explore Industrial Park in Workshop, North Nottinghamshire, and then brought to site in the West Midlands for assembly. The company recruits a minimum of four apprentices each year and when the HS2 related work commences in the factory it will create 35 new jobs. The company is working on enabling works on the Phase One section of the new high speed railway between London and Birmingham, providing ground investigations and engineering surveys to prepare for the new railway.
Employing 600 people, the HS2 contract has enabled the company to create training opportunities in a range of disciplines for over 60 employees, including 14 site access controllers and six people in attendance noise and vibration monitoring working on the Euston Enabling Works. Five new trainee operatives have been registered for their NVQ L2 in Land Drilling, and a further 17 staff have been supported through their Construction Skills Certification Scheme qualification.
Bridgeway recently won The Queens Enterprise Award for sustainable development after working on high-profile rail projects for the likes of Network Rail and local authorities, including the Crossrail project in London and HS2 enabling work at Euston Station.