Fast-track training programme helps Camden residents secure jobs on HS2

A fast track job training programme developed by HS2’s Euston Station construction partner, Mace Dragados, is helping unemployed people in Camden launch a new career on HS2.

In just two weeks, residents are supported to develop the skills and accreditation they need to start working in construction, ahead of progressing onto a three-day work trial to get a taste of what their new career could offer.

Steve Boyle and Daniel Johnson, who both live within a stone’s throw of HS2’s Euston Station site, were amongst the first cohort to complete the course and progress straight into full-time employment. They’re now employed by Clipfine, one of the UK’s leading construction support service companies, who work alongside Mace Dragados at HS2’s Euston site. 

Ambrose Quashie, HS2’s skills manager for Greater London said: “From the offset we committed to investing in Camden’s residents and providing opportunities for people to build a career on Britain’s new railway.

“I would encourage anyone looking for work to step forward and grasp this opportunity. It’s not just a stepping stone into a long-term career, but a chance to play a part in the transformation and regeneration of their local area.”

Steve heard about the training programme after visiting the Camden Jobs and Skills Fair and being referred onto the Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre, which is run by Camden Council. 

Steve said: “I’ve never worked in construction before, so didn’t imagine that in my 50s I’d be able to get a job like this.

“Looking at the site from my window made me want to get a job there, it really inspired me. Being part of the local community and seeing the difference that this will make to my local area has been an important factor for me.”

Securing full-time jobs that they can walk to in just five minutes was a huge draw for both Steve and Daniel.

Daniel said: “I feel really valued in this job and Clipfine are a great employer. This is a long-term project, which means I can plan for the future, rather than working for an agency where there isn’t any security.

“Living so close to where I work makes such a difference, and it means I get to spend more time with my child who is at school nearby.”

Gerard Smith, who leads Mace Dragados’s skills and employment programme said: “At Euston, our focus is on developing programmes that directly link candidates to tangible opportunities. This is the first initiative like this that we’ve run, and I’m delighted that it has proven to be such a success. Not only have we provided two excellent candidates with long term careers, but we’ve established a model that can be rolled out and scaled up as our workforce at Euston grows over the coming years.”

Conor Murphy, operations manager at Clipfine said: “We are committed to investing in the local area as part of our work alongside Mace Dragados at HS2 Euston. Joining the Sector Based Work Academy programme is helping us to support local people into work, and it’s proven to be a success with the addition of Steve and Daniel to the Clipfine team.’”

For more information about the training and employment opportunities available for Camden residents on HS2, and for support with your application visit construction.camden.gov.uk

For details of all the latest job opportunities on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/careers

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