A new centre built to upskill communities living close to HS2's Euston station site has been officially opened in a ceremony attended by the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP. The Euston Skills Centre, which opened its doors to students last month, was constructed by the HS2 team and its operation is part-funded by HS2 Ltd.
Camden Council hosted a launch event celebrating the new facility which will deliver skills training to students from the local area. The centre will help with workforce requirements for infrastructure and housing in Camden, as well as large national projects such as HS2.
Situated on the site of the old Maria Fidelis School overlooking the HS2 station site, students will benefit from close proximity to the HS2 project. HS2’s station construction partner, Mace Dragados joint venture, has left some utility services and systems exposed nearby which will act as a learning aid for students initially.
Speaking at the launch event, the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP said:
“The benefits of HS2 go far beyond the 140 miles of improved connectivity it’s set to deliver when complete, it has also supported tens of thousands of jobs and over 1,300 apprenticeships, providing an incredible opportunity for young people starting their careers.
“This new centre, supported by £4.1 million of funding, will play a vital role in skilling up the next generation, encouraging more people to consider a career in infrastructure and helping deliver the country’s biggest rail project.”
£4.1million has been made available from HS2 Ltd for the Euston Skills Centre, both for its construction and operation. MDJV completed the construction of the centre which spans two floors with a mix of workshops and classrooms.
Work on HS2's Euston station has scaled back following the government’s Network North announcement, which set out plans to revise the delivery and financing of the station and associated development. However, HS2 Ltd is continuing to deliver enabling works for the future station and surrounding area.
HS2, through MDJV and its London Tunnels Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCSJV), is continuing to work with Camden to support local people into employment, and the new Euston Skills Centre is a key part of that work.
HS2’s Euston Area Client Director, Andy Swift, said:
“Having begun my own career as an apprentice civil engineer, I am delighted that the new Euston Skills Centre is up and running and helping young people develop the skills to help them build a successful career. The Mace Dragados team have done an excellent job in delivering this facility in Camden and I look forward to working with Camden Council to ensure its success.”
Camden Council is an official HS2 jobs brokerage partner and working with HS2’s contractors MDJV and SCS JV, there has already been success in schemes such as fast-track job training programmes which support local unemployed people into a new career.
