Two exceptional HS2 apprentices hailing from Ealing have demonstrated that dedication truly pays dividends, as they are now set to benefit from free university education and four-year extensions to their employment contracts.
Tyler Pearce-Scott and Charlotte Thomas both impressed immensely upon successfully completing their two-year apprenticeships with Balfour Beatty VINCI Systra (BBVS), HS2’s construction partner for the ambitious Old Oak Common Station project. Their talent and commitment were such that the BBVS team were determined not to lose them.
Charlotte, a former pupil of Brentside High School, joined BBVS to pursue a Level 4 Civil Engineering apprenticeship. Since joining the company, she has played a vital supporting role in the design and construction of the expansive 850-metre-long station box, and her potential for a bright future was clear to her colleagues.
In a move to retain and further develop local talent, Charlotte was offered a new four-year contract, coupled with the significant opportunity of a fully funded Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Civil Engineering. Charlotte now divides her time, spending two weeks each month studying at the University of Exeter and the remaining two weeks contributing to the construction of the new transport superhub.
Charlotte, 21, from Ealing, said: “My HS2 journey began at my local high school in Ealing. An initial conversation with HS2’s skills and employment team led to me securing a work experience placement, and when the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship came along, I didn’t hesitate to go for it.”
“It’s important to seize opportunities that come your way – you don’t realise your own potential until you try something new. That would certainly be my advice to others. I would have never imagined that I’d progress to studying Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter.”
Tyler Pearce-Scott displayed equally promising aptitude after joining BBVS to undertake a Level 3 Information Communication Technician apprenticeship. Digital technology is integral to the behind-the-scenes design and planning associated with the station’s construction, and Tyler consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a high level of skill. His hard work has also been recognised, and he will now progress onto a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship, enabling him to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Digital Technology Solutions at the University of Roehampton.
Tyler, 20, also from Ealing, said: “I was studying for my A-Levels and realised part way through that it just wasn’t for me. I wanted a career in IT, but as a teenager, it was hard to find a way in. Securing an apprenticeship on such a huge project has opened a whole new world for me.”
“The sheer scale of the Old Oak Common site is beyond belief, from one week to the next it looks different. I’ve been incredibly lucky to play a role in setting up and maintaining our IT systems and networks across the site. With advances in technology, there’s always a new challenge ahead, which is great.”
For both Tyler and Charlotte, the transition to degree-level study alongside their work has presented challenges, but they both describe it as a ‘good challenge’ and one they embraced without hesitation.
Tyler and Charlotte have each saved at least £18,000 in tuition fees, while also earning a competitive annual salary and receiving employment benefits. This invaluable opportunity to combine practical work experience with academic study will allow them to excel in both the theoretical and hands-on aspects of their chosen career paths, as well as continue to contribute to the construction of the new superhub.
Peter Gow, HS2’s Project Client Director for Old Oak Common Station, said: “The arrival of Old Oak Common station has already driven a future £10 billion boost for the local economy, but the investment in local people is just as important as the investment in place.”
“Helping residents to secure jobs on HS2 has always been a huge priority, and I’m absolutely delighted to see young people from the borough reaping the benefits of this huge construction project right on their doorstep.”
HS2 is also celebrating the achievements of another Ealing resident, Niamh Meehan. The 26-year-old excelled in her Level 5 People Management apprenticeship and was deservedly awarded the West London College Apprentice of the Year award. Niamh’s tutor nominated her in recognition of her drive to empower women in the workplace and encourage more females to pursue careers in construction.
As part of her final college assessment, Niamh was instrumental in developing a ‘Respect Reporting Tool’, which encourages individuals to speak up and voice concerns in the workplace. This initiative was recognised as best practice and has since been implemented across BBVS sites, with Niamh leading the triage process.
Since completing her apprenticeship, Niamh has gained her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification and secured a permanent role within BBVS’s human resources department.
Niamh, 26, said: “I’m passionate about equality in the workplace, and this role, alongside my studies, has given me the opportunity to put that passion into practice.”
“Big projects like HS2 are driving change in the construction sector, and for me personally, I want women to feel confident that this is an industry where they can thrive. Whether working on site or in an office, the career opportunities are endless.”
Driven by her desire to inspire others, Niamh has returned to her former school, Cardinal Wiseman, to speak to young people about the career opportunities and apprenticeships available on HS2.
Daljit Bains, Director of Business Development at West London College, said: “Niamh is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured through the right opportunity and support. Her drive to champion equality in the workplace and her commitment to creating lasting cultural change reflect not only her own values but also those we hold at West London College. We were proud to name her Apprentice of the Year — an accolade that recognises not just academic excellence but also innovation and social impact.”
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s Lead Member for Decent Living Incomes, said: “It’s great to hear how much these young people have achieved through their apprenticeships, which are a big part of our ambition to create more good jobs in the borough. Local employers who take on apprentices can expect to receive full support from us on hiring, employing, and training them. Apprentices, in turn, get unrivalled, on-the-job training and a route into careers with decent pay.”
“We are determined to ensure that HS2 has a lasting positive impact by bringing good jobs and apprenticeships into the borough. We continue to work closely with HS2 to minimise impacts during construction, and our priority is to ensure that the long-term benefits of the project deliver a positive legacy for Ealing.”
For further details about careers and opportunities on HS2, please visit hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/.
