HS2’s construction partner,
Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), is encouraging local people who are out of work or looking for a career change to register for its fast-track training programme, which enables candidates to progress onto a paid work trial in just four to six weeks. Since opening its dedicated Skills Academy in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, last year, BBV has helped over 30 people to move into a new career working on HS2.
Regardless of previous skills or experience, all trainees are given the tuition and support they need to gain recognised accreditation that allows them to progress into employment. On completion of their training, candidates are job matched into roles within BBV’s supply chain where they begin a paid work trial based within the West Midlands, Warwickshire, or Staffordshire regions.
Shilpi Akbar, BBV’s head of skills, employment and education, said: “Delivering a large-scale infrastructure project such as HS2 requires significant people power. It is therefore critical that we continue taking an active approach to encouraging new entrants to the industry.
“Our general operative training programme ensures that everyone, particularly those who are currently unemployed, can benefit from the opportunities available through the construction of HS2 – opportunities that will flourish into lifelong careers.”
In the six months since it opened, and thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority, BBV’s Skills Academy has supported people of all ages and backgrounds to develop new skills and build a long-term career in the construction sector.
Training programmes are tailored to each candidate’s needs, and on completion, there is scope to choose from a range of job roles — either in plant machinery, traffic marshalling, site operations or business support functions.
BBV’s skills and employment can be contacted at