The HS2 project is welcoming West Midlands university students onto a paid placement programme during the summer holidays.
Now in its fourth year, the eight-week ‘earn and learn’ programme forms part of a wider drive to retain local talent by giving students an insight into future career opportunities in their community.
The summer scheme is designed and delivered by HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) and offers placements for undergraduates who live in the West Midlands or study at one of the region’s universities.
Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s senior skills and inclusion manager for the West Midlands, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of the partnerships we’ve formed with our local universities and how we’re working together to help home-grown talent thrive.
“For the fourth year running, we’ve opened the gates to our construction sites and offices to enable a new cohort of engineers, technicians and digital specialists to hone their skills and make a valuable contribution to HS2 – the UK’s biggest transport infrastructure project.”
Practical experience
Following the application and interview process, 32 students from eight universities have secured places on the programme.
The placements cover a range of BBV departments, including engineering, quality assurance, procurement, IT, commercial, finance and environment, supporting the design and construction of bridges and structures along the HS2 route.
During the placement, the students will apply the theoretical skills they have developed during their studies in a workplace setting.
Former placement students have gone on to secure degree apprenticeships (replacing full-time study), graduate schemes and permanent employment with BBV after graduating.
Naomi Bates, skills, education and employment business partner at BBV, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming our new students this summer, of which a third are women and some are returners from previous summer placements.
“The programme delivers benefits for HS2 by exposing us to new and exciting ideas, while providing the perfect opportunity for students themselves to earn and learn as part of a world-leading infrastructure project.”
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