The MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood, visited HS2’s Curzon Street Station site to see how Eastside is being transformed ahead of HS2 and the city’s brand-new intercity terminus station.
Hosted by HS2 and its construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), the visit gave the MP further insight to the work currently underway to prepare for construction of the viaducts that will bring the new railway into Curzon Street Station.
She heard how over 4,200 people are currently working on contracts supporting the construction of HS2 in the West Midlands, including individuals from her constituency who she met on the day.
Twenty-seven-year-old Michael, who lives in the Jewellery Quarter, told Ms Mahmood how his career journey on HS2 has seen him promoted from a General Operative to store manager in just six months. A former Iranian refugee, Michael shared the story of his move to Birmingham and how he sought a new career opportunity after studying for a master’s degree in chemical engineering while working part-time in a local fish and chip shop.
On completing a training course and paid work trial with BBV, Michael soon transitioned into full-time employment working on HS2. His passion and commitment were soon rewarded, and Michael is now part of the team supporting the construction works currently underway at the Curzon Street Station site.
Michael said: “This job has provided me with the opportunity and security to build my life in Birmingham and support my family.
“In a short space of time I’ve been promoted to store manager, which is a huge opportunity. As HS2’s construction programme progresses, I hope there will be further opportunities to develop my career with BBV on this ground-breaking project.”
HS2 says it forecasts its project will create a constant labour demand for the West Midlands of around 10,000 people between now and 2027/28. BBV is recruiting for hundreds of new roles to support the design and construction of the 90km section of new railway that it will deliver from Warwickshire into Birmingham city centre and on to Staffordshire.
BBV expects to be one of the biggest recruiters in the region over the coming years and is committed to ensuring that local people benefit from the thousands of employment opportunities it is creating.
Shabana Mahmood MP said: “It was fantastic to visit the Curzon Street Site of the HS2 project here in Birmingham, where I met a number of apprentices who are benefitting from the project and the skills investment that it is bringing to our city.
“I spoke with members of HS2’s delivery team about the new Curzon Street Station and saw the huge amount of work being done to prepare the site for construction.
“It is so important that Britain’s biggest infrastructure project benefits my constituents, ensuring those who live locally will be the first to feel the benefits of HS2 in our city.”
