Member Article

Leeds LEP makes a bid for new HS2 college

Leeds LEP will make the case for locating a new HS2 college in the region today.

Chair of the LEP, Roger Marsh, will meet with key regional businesses and rail industry supply chain employers to make the bid.

The proposed college will concentrate on delivering the high level skills needed for high speed rail and other major engineering projects of the future, including HS2.

The consultation is not just focused on the location of the site but will highlight the UK’s skills needs relating to the design, construction and operation of HS2.

The LEP is going to suggest that Leeds and Yorkshire have a “strong railyway heritage” with the National Railway Museum in York, specialist rail expertise at the Universities of Huddersfield and York; that Leeds College of Building is the only specialist construction college in the UK; and has excellent links with civil engineering contractors. The College also offers a Civic Engineering Higher Level Apprenticeships in association with the University of Leeds.

Support from rail industry supply chain employers will be an “important factor” in determining where the College will be located.

According to the LEP the Leeds City Region has more people employed in rail-related industries than anywhere else in the North, the LEP wants to use this event to secure the support of key companies and their supply chains.

Julie Carrier, head of rail at WSP which is based in the region commented: “Our industry has something of an image problem.

“Young people don’t always realise the amazing careers they could have in rail and yet WSP teams are behind some of the most exciting and transformative rail network projects in the world.

“It is crucial that, collectively, we use the investment in the high speed rail network to develop a highly skilled construction and railway engineering workforce which is why this college is so important.”

Roger Marsh, who is hosting the meeting, said “We are committed to optimising the potential that HS2 can offer the Leeds City Region and this goes much further than just the enhanced transport links.

“We already have a well-established skills network across the region, and it is vital that all partners, both public and private sector, join forces to champion the potential of the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .