HS2 could support over 15,000 jobs by 2020

A generation of engineers, designers, architects and geologists are to ‘benefit’ from the construction of HS2, the new high speed railway.

The project is gearing up to support 30,000 jobs and create opportunities for British businesses to upskill their workforce.

Today (September 13), HS2 Ltd is to set out its programme of skills, employment and education interventions, hoping to ensure the country has the skills to deliver the HS2 project.

Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, said: “Our skills strategy 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.”

Over 7,000 roles are already supported by the project. With construction starting next year, many more jobs around the country will help build a skills base to export around the world.

HS2 minister, Nusrat Ghani MP, added: “HS2 will provide the backbone of our future rail network and is already driving jobs and economic growth across the country.

“HS2 already supports over 7,000 jobs, forecast to reach around 15,000 by 2020, and is building the talented workforce of the future that this transformative project needs.”

New initiatives will be introduced within the coming year to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and encourage more young people into transport infrastructure related careers.

Through HS2 contracts, businesses are said to be creating opportunities for their workforce.

Explore Manufacturing, part of the Laing O’Rourke group, has won a contract with LM joint venture to supply 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, Nottinghamshire, and then brought to site in the West Midlands for assembly. When the HS2-related work commences in the factory, it should create 35 new jobs.

Alan Clucas, director of Explore Manufacturing, concluded: “We are proud to be working on the biggest rail infrastructure programmes in the country.

“For Explore Manufacturing it means a significant contribution in digital design and high quality off site manufacturing, which shortens time needed on site, and has big benefits in safety, efficiency and programme costs.”

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