HS2 has delivered another boost to regional economies along the West Midlands – London growth corridor, as it confirms that over 5,000 unemployed people have progressed into jobs on Britian’s biggest construction project.
The latest data from HS2 Ltd shows that an additional 199 jobseekers joined the workforce between January and March 2025, taking the total number of formerly unemployed to have secured work on HS2 to 5,023.
In 2018, before construction began, HS2 published its Skills, Employment and Education Strategy. It set out its plan to address the UK’s skills shortages, invest in future talent, and help those living near to the line of route to start new careers. Seven years later, 33,000 people are working on HS2.
The drive to help tackle localised unemployment along the construction corridor has proved to be a success. HS2 Ltd and its tier one contractors have worked with education providers and the supply chain to create dedicated training academies and bootcamps that equip new entrants with the knowledge and skills to begin a career in construction.
HS2 has worked closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities, and employment support services to identify those most in need. Fast-track routes into training and employment have been introduced to help people secure jobs in as little as two weeks.
Mark Wild, CEO at HS2 Ltd said:
“Our targeted focus on training and upskilling has helped over 5,000 unemployed people to secure work on HS2. This is a significant achievement and a further indication of the economic prize that HS2 brings.
“In my first few months, I’m proud to have met with some of the men and women that have benefitted from our employment programmes. HS2 is creating new opportunities for people now, and that will continue in the years ahead.”
In the West Midlands, around 10,000 people are currently supporting HS2’s construction and 1,870 people who were out of work have secured jobs on the project.
Anthony Jordan from Birmingham enrolled on an employment training course at Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills Academy in Bordesley Green. The programme enabled him to combine work and study, and once he’d secured his accreditation via the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme, he could begin working on site. Anthony impressed to such an extent that he was immediately offered full-time employment.
Anthony said:
“It’s great to be part of such a huge project and it’s satisfying to know that I’m playing a part in its delivery. Not only has it been a career change, but it has also improved me as a person.”
Balfour Beatty VINCI has continued to invest in Anthony, and he is now nearing completion of his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Groundworks.
Cimara Gregory from Birmingham was unemployed for over five years. She attended the HS2 Recruitment Hub at Washwood Heath Job Centre Plus and was encouraged to consider opportunities in the construction sector. Cimara was one of the first candidates to complete the ‘Women in site-based roles’ training programme at the BBV Skills Academy in Bordesley Green and has since progressed into an administration role.
Cimara said:
“There are still misconceptions about construction being a male-dominated sector, so I was hesitant at first, especially as an older person re-entering the workforce, but I needn’t have worried.
“My skills were matched to an administration role, and I’ve been supported throughout. Now I’m eager to explore how the project can help me to progress my career.”
In Greater London, around 9,000 people are currently supporting HS2’s construction and 1,339 people who were out of work have secured jobs on the project.
Camden resident, Steve Boyle, is now three-years into his HS2 career. In 2022, when he was struggling to find work, Steve signed up for a two-week fast-track job training programme, which led to a three-day work trial. His ‘can do’ attitude led to a permanent job with Clipfine, one of the UK’s leading construction support service companies, who work alongside HS2’s stations contractor, Mace Dragados joint venture.
Steve said:
“With no previous construction experience, I never imagined I’d get the opportunity to start a new career – especially in my 50s. Three years on, and I haven’t looked back, this has been a great move for me.”
Securing a job as a plant operative, supporting HS2’s vast earthworks programme, has been life changing for central London resident Tom Akers. After a decade of sofa-surfing, the 27-year-old now has his own accommodation and is looking forward to a promising future with HS2’s construction partner Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall (EKFB).
Tom said:
“This job has given me a new start and the opportunity to finally find my feet. I’ve always been interested in big machinery and now, as a plant operative, I have a career pathway in front of me. I hope to progress to the next stage of training and become a dozer operator.”
For information about careers and opportunities with HS2 and its supply chain, visit hs2.org.uk/jobs
