When Tyler Pearce-Scott and Charlotte Thomas successfully completed their two-year apprenticeships with Balfour Beatty VINCI Systra (BBVS), HS2’s construction partner for Old Oak Common Station, they impressed to such an extent that the team didn’t want to lose them.
Charlotte, a former Brentside High School pupil, joined BBVS to study a Level 4 Civil Engineering apprenticeship. Since joining the company, she has played a supporting role in the design and construction of the 850-metre-long station box, and the team could see she had a promising future ahead of her.
Eager to retain and upskill local talent, Charlotte was offered a new four-year contract, coupled with the prize of a fully funded BEng Civil Engineering degree. Charlotte now spends two weeks of every month studying at the University of Exeter and the remaining two weeks supporting construction of the new superhub station.
Charlotte, 21, from Ealing said:
“My HS2 journey began at my local high school in Ealing. An initial conversation with HS2’s skills and employment team led to me securing a work experience placement, and when the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship came along, I didn’t hesitate to go for it.
“It’s important to seize opportunities that come your way – you don’t realise your own potential until you try something new. That would certainly be my advice to others. I would have never imagined that I’d progress to studying Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter”
Tyler Pearce-Scott showed equal promise after joining BBVS to study for a Level 3 Information Communication Technician apprenticeship. Digital technology plays a huge role in the behind-the-scenes design and planning linked to the station’s construction, and Tyler consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and high skillset. He too was rewarded for his efforts and will now progress onto a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship, enabling him to study for a BSc Digital Technology Solutions degree at University of Roehampton.
Tyler, 20, from Ealing said:
“I was studying for my A-Levels and realised part way through that it just wasn’t for me. I wanted a career in IT, but at as teenager, it was hard to find a way in. Securing an apprenticeship on such a huge project has opened a whole new world for me.
“The sheer scale of the Old Oak Common site is beyond belief, from one week to the next it looks different. I’ve been incredibly lucky to play a role in setting up and maintaining our IT systems and networks across the site. With advances in technology, there’s always a new challenge ahead, which is great.”
For both Tyler and Charlotte, the jump to degree-level study, alongside work, has proven challenging, but they both describe it as a ‘good challenge’ and one they didn’t hesitate to accept.
Tyler and Charlotte have each saved at least £18,000 on tuition fees, whilst receiving a healthy annual salary and employment benefits. The opportunity to combine work and study will enable them to progress both the theoretical and hands-on elements of their chosen career pathways and continue playing a role in the new superhub’s construction.
Peter Gow, HS2’s Project Client Director for Old Oak Common Station said:
“The arrival of Old Oak Common station has already driven a future £10 billion boost for the local economy, but the investment in local people in just as important as the investment in place.
“Helping residents to secure jobs on HS2 has always been a huge priority and I’m absolutely delighted to see young people from the borough reaping the benefits of this huge construction project at their doorstep.”
HS2 is also proud to recognise the achievements of fellow Ealing resident, Niamh Meehan. 26-year-old Niamh excelled in her Level 5 People Management apprenticeship and went on to scoop the West London College Apprentice of the Year award. Niamh’s tutor nominated her for the award in recognition of her drive to empower women in the workplace and encourage more females to start a career in construction.
Niamh was instrumental in the development of a ‘Respect Reporting Tool’ as part of her final college assessment, which encourages people to speak up and speak out in the workplace. The initiative was recognised as good practice and has since been implemented across BBVS sites, with Niamh leading the triage process.
Since completing her apprenticeship, Niamh has secured her CIPD qualification and a permanent role in BBVS’s human resources department.
Niamh, 26, said:
“I’m passionate about equality in the workplace and this role, alongside my studies, has given me the opportunity to put that passion into practice.
“Big projects like HS2 are driving change in the construction sector, and for me personally, I want women to feel confident that this is an industry where they can thrive. Whether working on site, or in an office, the career opportunities are endless.”
As part of her drive to inspire others, Niamh has revisited her former school, Cardinal Wiseman, to talk to young people about career opportunities and apprenticeships on HS2.
Daljit Bains, Director of Business Development at West London College said:
“Niamh is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured through the right opportunity and support. Her drive to champion equality in the workplace, and her commitment to creating lasting cultural change, reflects not only her own values but those we hold at West London College. We were proud to name her Apprentice of the Year — an accolade that recognises not just academic excellence, but innovation and social impact."
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s Lead Member for Decent Living Incomes said:
“It’s great to hear how much these young people have achieved through their apprenticeships, which are a big part of our ambition to create more good jobs in the borough. Local employers who take on apprentices can expect to receive full support from us on hiring, employing, and training them. Apprentices, in turn, get unrivalled, on-the-job training, and a route into careers with decent pay.
“We are determined to ensure that HS2 has a lasting positive impact by bringing good jobs and apprenticeships into the borough. We continue to work closely with HS2 to minimise impacts during construction and our priority is to ensure that the long-term benefits of the project deliver a positive legacy for Ealing.”
For more information about careers and opportunities on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/
