HS2 has exceeded its target of creating 2,000 apprenticeships on the high-speed rail project.
The latest data from the project shows that an additional 99 people started an apprenticeship between September and December 2025.
This brings the total number of new apprentice starts to 2,032 – exceeding the original target set before construction began.
As well as the apprenticeship milestone, HS2 Ltd confirmed that it has surpassed its goal of supporting 5,000 unemployed people into work. To date, this figure has climbed to 5,645.
A recent report from HS2 Ltd – Mind the skills gap – shows that the combination of apprenticeships and job starts delivered on the project to date is worth £315m to the UK economy.
This figure is expected to grow as HS2’s construction progresses from major civil engineering to rail systems installation.
Around 33,000 people are currently employed on the project, and more than 3,700 British businesses are engaged in the supply chain.
‘Breaking down barriers’
Rail minister Peter Hendy said: “This government is committed to breaking down barriers and opening opportunities for young people, and HS2’s continued success in creating thousands of high‑quality apprenticeships shows the real difference major infrastructure projects can make to communities across the country.
“A skilled workforce is essential for the UK’s prosperity and economic growth, and with tens of thousands of people currently working to deliver HS2, we stand in good stead to deliver this line as fast, and with the lowest cost, as possible.”
Of the 2,032 people who have started an apprenticeship on HS2 so far, 34% are from London and the South East and 41% live in the West Midlands.
Of the 5,645 who were out of work and received training and support to help them access new careers, 39% live in London and the South East and 38% are from the West Midlands.
Apprenticeship milestone
HS2’s 2,000th apprentice, Mohammed Sharif, said seeing HS2’s construction from his bedroom window in Birmingham inspired him to explore a career in civil engineering.
“I knew I wanted to work on HS2, so I applied to BMet college to study for a T-level in construction and secured a work placement with HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty Vinci,” Sharif explained.
“At college, I worked hard and put 100% into my placement – and it paid off. When I finished my studies, Balfour Beatty Vinci offered me a civil engineering apprenticeship.
“I used to look out of my bedroom window and see all the work taking place on HS2 – now I’m helping to build it. This project is going to open up so many opportunities for young people like me, I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.”
Mark Wild, chief executive at HS2 Ltd, added: “Hitting the 2,000-apprenticeship milestone is a significant achievement and I’m delighted that local people along the HS2 route are the ones benefitting from our investment in future talent.
“Upskilling young people and the unemployed delivers long-term benefits for individuals and the economy. We’re building a pipeline of skilled workers that will support the UK’s growth for a generation.”
