HS2 has marked a significant employment milestone, announcing that over 5,000 unemployed individuals have embarked on new careers within the project. Major investment in upskilling initiatives has played a crucial role in bringing men and women of all ages back into the workforce.
With a targeted focus on supporting the unemployed, HS2 has effectively helped to bridge the skills gap, aligning with the Government’s drive to get Britain building and more people into work through its dedicated skills academies and bootcamp training programmes.
The latest data from HS2 Ltd confirms an additional 199 jobseekers joined the workforce between January and March 2025, pushing the total number of formerly unemployed individuals who have secured work on HS2 to a remarkable 5,023. This achievement provides another significant boost to regional economies along the West Midlands – London growth corridor.
In 2018, prior to construction commencing, HS2 published its Skills, Employment and Education Strategy, outlining its commitment to addressing the UK’s skills shortages, investing in future talent, and assisting local residents in launching new careers. Seven years on, 33,000 people are now working on HS2.
The initiative to tackle localised unemployment along the construction corridor has proven highly successful. HS2 Ltd and its tier one contractors have collaborated with education providers and the supply chain to establish dedicated training academies and bootcamps. These programmes equip new entrants with the essential knowledge and skills required to begin a career in construction.
HS2 has also worked closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities, and employment support services to identify those most in need. Fast-track routes into training and employment have been introduced, enabling individuals to secure jobs in as little as two weeks.
“A Significant Achievement”
Mark Wild, CEO at HS2 Ltd, commented on the achievement:
“Our targeted focus on training and upskilling has helped over 5,000 unemployed people to secure work on HS2. This is a significant achievement and a further indication of the economic prize that HS2 brings.”
He added: “In my first few months, I’m proud to have met with some of the men and women that have benefitted from our employment programmes. HS2 is creating new opportunities for people now, and that will continue in the years ahead.
Personal Success Stories
In the West Midlands, approximately 10,000 people are currently involved in HS2’s construction, with 1,870 formerly unemployed individuals having secured roles on the project.
Anthony Jordan from Birmingham enrolled on an employment training course at Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills Academy in Bordesley Green. The programme allowed him to combine work and study, and upon achieving his accreditation via the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme, he commenced work on site. Anthony’s impressive performance led to an immediate offer of full-time employment.
Anthony reflected: “It’s great to be part of such a huge project and it’s satisfying to know that I’m playing a part in its delivery. Not only has it been a career change, but it has also improved me as a person.”
Balfour Beatty VINCI has continued to invest in Anthony’s development, and he is now nearing completion of his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Groundworks.
Cimara Gregory from Birmingham had been unemployed for over five years before attending the HS2 Recruitment Hub at Washwood Heath Job Centre Plus, where she was encouraged to consider opportunities in the construction sector. Cimara was among the first candidates to complete the ‘Women in site-based roles’ training programme at the BBV Skills Academy in Bordesley Green and has since progressed into an administration role.
Cimara shared her experience: “There are still misconceptions about construction being a male-dominated sector, so I was hesitant at first, especially as an older person re-entering the workforce, but I needn’t have worried. My skills were matched to an administration role, and I’ve been supported throughout. Now I’m eager to explore how the project can help me to progress my career.”
In Greater London, approximately 9,000 people are currently supporting HS2’s construction, with 1,339 formerly unemployed individuals securing jobs on the project.
Camden resident, Steve Boyle, is now three years into his HS2 career. In 2022, facing difficulties finding work, Steve enrolled in a two-week fast-track job training programme, which led to a three-day work trial. His proactive approach resulted in a permanent job with Clipfine, a leading UK construction support service company, working alongside HS2’s stations contractor, Mace Dragados joint venture.
Steve said: “With no previous construction experience, I never imagined I’d get the opportunity to start a new career – especially in my 50s. Three years on, and I haven’t looked back, this has been a great move for me.”
Securing a job as a plant operative, supporting HS2’s extensive earthworks programme, has been life-changing for central London resident Tom Akers. After a decade of sofa-surfing, the 27-year-old now has his own accommodation and looks forward to a promising future with HS2’s construction partner Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall (EKFB).
Tom expressed his gratitude: “This job has given me a new start and the opportunity to finally find my feet. I’ve always been interested in big machinery and now, as a plant operative, I have a career pathway in front of me. I hope to progress to the next stage of training and become a dozer operator.”
For information about careers and opportunities with HS2 and its supply chain, visit hs2.org.uk/jobs.
