Hundreds of vacancies across a broad range of disciplines — from engineering and project management to ‘land and property, procurement and commercial’ — are among those being advertised as part of a three-month direct-recruitment drive.

Over 300 of the roles will be based in Birmingham, taking the total number of jobs that the project has supported to over 10,000.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “These jobs are a welcome boost for workers across the country at this challenging time, providing the opportunity to play a crucial part in delivering HS2. We continue to work with the transport and construction industry to accelerate projects to kick-start our economy, provide more employment opportunities and drive our recovery, as we build out of Covid-19.

“Major construction of HS2’s first phase — between Birmingham and London — is now just weeks away, and HS2 needs to bolster its workforce, so that it can press ahead with delivering this transformative project.”

Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, said: “With many people facing uncertain job security and worried about future prospects in the current crisis, I hope this will be welcome news for anyone seeking a long-term and rewarding career with a company that places health, safety, equality and diversity at the very top of its priority list.

“As part of the HS2 team, you will be shaping British history; transforming our Victorian railways and supporting the regeneration and economic prosperity of towns and cities right along the route.”

Details of job opportunities can be found at the Web site (www.hs2.org.uk/hs2-and-you).