HS2 Ltd, the company leading the delivery of Britain’s new high speed low carbon railway, has today launched a brand-new jobs site to promote the estimated 20,000 roles that phase one of the project is creating in the months and years ahead.
The new digital platform, which is hosted on the HS2 website hs2.org.uk/supply-chain-jobs, offers those looking for work or a change of career, the opportunity to search the very latest vacancies with HS2’s construction partners and station contractors delivering the London – Birmingham section of the railway.
The jobs board allows prospective candidates to search for vacancies by region, or by specialism, so they can quickly identify opportunities that match their criteria.
In September 2020, HS2’s four main works contractors and two station construction partners estimated that they would create over 20,000 jobs to support the ten-year construction programme for phase one of the project.
The jobs board is the first time that opportunities to work on HS2, within the supply chain, have been brought together in one place, making it easier for job seekers to navigate and find a job that matches their career aspirations.
The initiative has the backing of the Department for Work and Pensions and a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the agreed roles and responsibilities of HS2 Ltd and its job brokerage partners, is in place between the two organisations.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “HS2 is helping us drive forward plans to build back better and level up the nation – it’s connecting people to fresh possibilities and creating exciting jobs along the way.
“As we look ahead, helping so many people to secure new employment is vital to our recovery and is exactly why we’ve invested £30bn in our Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create opportunities across our communities.”
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “HS2 will play a vital role in kickstarting the UK’s economic recovery as we build back better from COVID-19. In fact, it is already doing so, with 13,000 jobs supported so far.
“I’d encourage anyone who is interested in working on the UK’s largest infrastructure project to check the new HS2 jobs board, whether you work in health and safety, engineering, catering, logistics, or the many other sectors where HS2 is already creating huge opportunities.”
HS2 Ltd’s new jobs board been developed as part of a job brokerage partnership model, which brings together local authorities, enterprise partnerships, charities and employment support services along the 140-mile route of the first phase of the new railway. HS2’s job brokerage partners will play an integral role in supporting individuals from local communities, disadvantaged and underrepresented groups into employment on the project, in line with objectives set out in HS2 Ltd’s Skills, Employment and Education Strategy.
Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Skills, Employment and Education said: ”HS2 has a crucial role to play in the UK’s economic recovery and fightback from COVID-19. We are creating and sustaining thousands of jobs in the UK starting right now, when people need them most.
“Our new job brokerage model is an important step in simplifying the job search process, and ensuring individuals receive guidance and support so that pathways into employment on HS2 are accessible for all.”
HS2 has already supported 13,000 jobs, including over 400 new apprenticeship starts and over 550 individuals who were previously unemployed. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, HS2 Ltd and its contractors have also supported over 100 work experience placements, in a bid to ensure that individuals are actively engaged with the programme and have the very best opportunity to capitalise on future career openings.
The start of main construction works in September 2020 was a catalyst for the project, spearheading £12bn of contract opportunities which British businesses are beginning to bid for. As HS2’s tier one contractors begin the process of procuring the suppliers and services they need to deliver their work packages, the number of job opportunities on the project will grow.
This heightened demand has created new career pathways and long-term career prospects for individuals at all levels, in both blue and white-collar roles.
Kevin Williams, who was formerly homeless, joined HS2’s contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture as a labourer in May 2020. He is now an essential part of the team helping HS2 tunnel 13 miles beneath London.
Kevin said: ”Everyone has made me feel so welcome. I’ve worked hard and I’m progressing while I’m working. I’m still learning and I’m still training, so that I can improve my skills and go even further in the construction field.”
For more information about HS2’s job brokerage programme, or to search for vacancies on the new jobs board visit hs2.org.uk/supply-chain-jobs
Photo credit: HS2 Ltd
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