As National Apprenticeship Week 2025 gets underway, HS2 has announced it is searching for 40 new apprentices to help support Britain's high-speed railway.
More than 1,800 people have already secured an apprenticeship on the project, with a total of 31,000 people now working on the programme. Recruitment for this year’s apprentice intake opens today – with 16 apprenticeship opportunities up for grabs with HS2 Ltd in project management and quantity surveying. A further 24 apprenticeships are being made available across HS2’s supply chain.
The HS2 Ltd vacancies are open to anyone who has achieved or is expected to achieve five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Roles will be based in HS2 offices and sites in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
Ellie Kent, 20 and from Solihull, is currently a year into a two-year project management apprenticeship with HS2 Ltd. She has aspirations to develop her skills and experience with HS2, one day progressing to a senior role within IT or product management.
Ellie said:
“HS2 has been a great starting point in my career – the people are friendly and supportive, and it opens your eyes to the working world in such a bright way. My confidence within myself as a person as well as with my work has increased massively.
“I am very proud of the work we are doing [at HS2], as well as being able to tell any kids or grandkids in the future that I was a part of it! I believe that HS2 will be a massive help to the economy, producing jobs and future talent into the industry as a whole.”
Similarly, 19-year-old Adil Ali from Birmingham is training as a project management apprentice within the business’ busy logistics team, having aspired to forge a career in the construction industry from a very young age.
He said:
“I was drawn to HS2 due to its transformative vision to revolutionise rail infrastructure in the UK. The sheer scale of the project, its focus on innovation and its commitment to delivering long-term economic and social benefits resonated strongly with my desire to be part of something impactful.
“I saw the apprenticeship as a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in project management while contributing to a historic project that will shape the future of the UK’s transport network.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
“These apprentices won’t just be gaining invaluable experience that will set them up for life, but they will also be helping to build the railways of the future, creating jobs and supporting growth up and down the country.
“From personal experience I know how rewarding a career in the transport industry is. I encourage anyone looking for a new challenge in an exciting and fast-paced sector to consider an apprenticeship with HS2.”
Karen Davis, Head of People Development at HS2 Ltd, said:
“Apprenticeships are an important part of our business, providing both entry-level roles for people just starting out in their careers, like Ellie and Adil, and opportunities to upskill for those already working in our industry.
“As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re pleased to open up recruitment for our 2025 apprenticeships and start the search for the leaders of tomorrow. We’d encourage school, college and university leavers, as well as people looking for a career change, to apply for these exciting opportunities and make their mark on the future of high-speed rail.”
HS2 is playing a pivotal role in upskilling the next generation of professionals in the railway and major infrastructure sectors. The commitment to create 2,000 apprenticeships is on track, and this unparalleled investment will ensure the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to continue developing our much-loved railways into the future.
As the country unites to mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, HS2 looks ahead to an exciting future. The advent of technology and cutting-edge design will revolutionise rail travel for millions of passengers, with more reliable, faster and frequent services. The legacy left by our Victorian forefathers will not be neglected. HS2 will help to free up capacity on the existing rail network, allowing passengers that use our historic railways today to enjoy better journeys in the future.
Candidates have until 23 March 2025 to submit an application for HS2 Ltd’s 2025 apprenticeship opportunities. For more information on the vacancies and details on how to apply, visit: Apprentices and graduates - HS2
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