HS2 Ltd has announced that 412 new apprenticeships have been created on the project. The latest figures come just a month after main construction started on Phase 1 between London and Birmingham.

Kate Myers is HS2 Ltd’s head of skills, employment and education. She said: ‘Apprenticeships with us, and companies within our supply chain, provide a fantastic start to working life or the opportunity for a complete career change, knowing that the ability to earn and learn is supported with a qualification. 

‘The scale and breadth of HS2 provides long-term career prospects and I’m delighted that many of those who joined as apprentices back in 2017 have successfully completed their course and gone on to secure full time employment on the project. It’s that long-term investment that we strive to offer that really makes a difference.’

21-year-old Chris Sadler from Tamworth joined HS2 as a project management apprentice in 2017 and now has a permanent job as an assistant commercial manager in the land and property division.

He said: ‘Over the last three years I’ve been able to learn from some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry across different areas of the business.

‘The apprenticeship programme enabled me to work and learn simultaneously, and I’ve developed skills that have helped me to achieve results on one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Europe.

‘Progressing from an apprentice to where I am today is a great achievement for me and really shows the opportunities HS2 has to offer.’