HS2 Limited has welcomed 40 graduates and 19 apprentices – the largest cohort of future talent to join the company since operations began in 2009.
The new intake forms part of the 2,000 apprenticeships set to be created across the programme’s lifecycle.
A record number of apprentices and graduates have joined the HS2 project in September to help construct the UK’s new high-speed rail line. This year, a total of 59 people joined HS2’s future talent programme.
The new cohort have joined multiple areas across the business including teams responsible for the new stations and rail systems, surveying, land referencing, business administration and cyber security.
Karen Davis, head of talent & development at HS2 Ltd said: “HS2 is committed to providing jobs and helping develop the skills to show off the very best of British engineering. We are excited to welcome our largest in-take of 40 graduates which is in addition to the opportunities also available with our Joint Venture partners and across the supply chain.”
HS2’s future talent courses last up to two years and combine on-the-job training with portfolio-based learning. The programme is designed to grow business knowledge, strengthen soft skills and offer networking opportunities for learners- developing the expertise that not only the business is looking for, but also the wider UK industry.
Recruits also attend a series of ‘learning weeks’ throughout the programme to develop core skills and behaviours required in any business such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, innovation, resilience, presentation skills and technical skills.
Business & Commercial Graduate Kyle Patel said: “After graduating from university earlier this year I found HS2’s Graduate scheme really appealed to me as it offers a lot of scope in what I can get involved in. I’ve been at HS2 Ltd for over a month now and I have learnt so much already. The scale of the project is staggering, and I’m looking forward to continuing my development.”
Image credit: HS2
