British Steel (britishsteel.co.uk) has donated 200m of rail track to the yet-to-be-opened National College for High Speed Rail in Birmingham.

The campus — being developed on the bank of the Grand Union Canal — will train more than 1,300 students per year once it reaches full capacity. Alongside another campus in Doncaster, it is scheduled to be completed this summer; both will open their doors to students in September.

Peter Smith, British Steel’s managing director (rail), said: “The National College for High Speed Rail will be a hugely valuable asset to this country, as it trains a new generation of world-class rail engineers.

“Once trained, the students will become highly skilled engineers and leaders, playing a vital part in not only bringing high-speed rail to this country but also ensuring that it is well-maintained. We have developed an excellent relationship with the college.”

British Steel is expected to play a significant role supplying raw materials to the £56 billion rail project. “As building work nears completion in Birmingham and Doncaster, British Steel is looking forward to further developing our relationship with the college and supporting the students, as they prepare to embark on their exciting new careers,” added Mr Smith.

“The rail track will be an important part of the learning facilities at the college, ensuring that the students have the chance to be trained in railway maintenance.”

The rail for the project was manufactured at British Steel’s integrated steelworks in Scunthorpe, and Network Rail account manager John Austin helped to oversee its delivery. He said: “It is great to know that the students will be starting their training on British Steel rail in a few months’ time.”

Beth Curtis, the college’s head of partnerships and communications, said: “We’re delighted to have received a stretch of track for our Birmingham campus. It will allow us to prepare a genuine working environment and teach our students on the best equipment available.

“By creating a world-class employer-led college, we will give students all the skills they need to enjoy an exciting and well-paid career.”