The idea of starting again was daunting. Josh wanted a career, not just a job, which meant he’d have to retrain.
The construction sector had always appealed to him, but Josh wasn’t one for getting his hands dirty. With a head for figures and analytics, he began matching his skills to potential new careers in the industry.
His research led him to High Speed Two. Britain’s biggest infrastructure project had committed to creating 2,000 apprenticeships, and HS2’s London construction partner, Skanska, Costain, STRABAG, were on the lookout for talented individuals to join their degree-level Quantity Surveyor apprenticeship programme.
The job required a sharp eye for detail - and numbers. The successful candidate would receive on-the-job training, learning how to conduct feasibility studies, detailed assessments of materials and labour costs, and assess costs and risks for tenders and contracts. Working closely with suppliers and contractors, on and off site, was a key requirement. It sounded perfect.
Weighing up his options, Josh knew he’d take an initial drop in pay, but he didn’t let that put him off. The five-year course, with a good starting salary, and clear progression opportunities, was also fully funded, which meant his university fees – nearly £30,000 – would be paid by his employer. If he worked hard, he could also qualify to become a Chartered Surveyor.
Fast-forward two years and Josh doesn’t regret his decision to join the 31,000-strong workforce helping to build HS2.
28-year-old Josh from Croydon said:
“If you’d have told me five years ago that I’d be a student again, sitting at the back of the classroom, I’d have laughed. I did enjoy teaching, it was hugely rewarding, but it suddenly hit me that I didn’t want to do it forever.
“Now I’ve got the best of both worlds. I’m working on the UK’s biggest construction project and my employer, Skanska, has made a huge investment in both my personal and professional development. I’m almost halfway through my five-year apprenticeship, and without doubt, it’s the best move I ever made.”
As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, Josh is keen to remind others that - “Apprenticeships aren’t just for teenagers, and it’s never too late to start again.”
Josh now spends one day per week studying at the London Southbank University towards his BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree. The remaining four days are spent supporting construction of the Victoria Road Crossover Box in West London. This huge underground structure will allow HS2 trains to switch tracks on their approach into the new 14-platform superhub station at Old Oak Common.
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.
1810 people have already started an apprenticeship journey on HS2. For more information about careers and opportunities with HS2 Ltd and its supply chain partners, visit hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/
