National Apprenticeship Week: High speed rail project on the hunt for 40 new apprentices with roles in West Midlands

Bosses at high-speed rail scheme HS2 have announced the project is searching for 40 new apprentices to help support railway building, with places available at their offices in the West Midlands.

The company says more than 1,800 people have already secured an apprenticeship on the project nationwide, with a total of 31,000 people now working on the programme. Recruitment for this year’s apprentice intake is now open, with 16 apprenticeship opportunities up for grabs with HS2 Ltd in project management and quantity surveying. A further 24 apprenticeships are being made available across HS2’s supply chain.

“Apprenticeships are an important part of our business, providing both entry-level roles for people just starting out in their careers, like Ellie and Adil, and opportunities to upskill for those already working in our industry," said Karen Davis, Head of People Development at HS2 Ltd.

“As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re pleased to open up recruitment for our 2025 apprenticeships and start the search for the leaders of tomorrow. We’d encourage school, college and university leavers, as well as people looking for a career change, to apply for these exciting opportunities and make their mark on the future of high-speed rail.”

The HS2 Ltd vacancies are open to anyone who has achieved or is expected to achieve five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Roles will be based in HS2 offices and sites in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes.

Bosses at HS2 say they have a commitment to create 2,000 apprenticeships, and describe the programme as an "unparalleled investment" which will ensure the UK hasa skilled railway workforce for the future.

“These apprentices won’t just be gaining invaluable experience that will set them up for life, but they will also be helping to build the railways of the future, creating jobs and supporting growth up and down the country," said Rail Minister Lord Hendy.

“From personal experience I know how rewarding a career in the transport industry is. I encourage anyone looking for a new challenge in an exciting and fast-paced sector to consider an apprenticeship with HS2.”

Trainee Adil Ali from Birmingham is learning on the job as a project management apprentice within the business’ busy logistics team, having aspired to forge a career in the construction industry from a very young age.

“I was drawn to HS2 due to its transformative vision to revolutionise rail infrastructure in the UK. The sheer scale of the project, its focus on innovation and its commitment to delivering long-term economic and social benefits resonated strongly with my desire to be part of something impactful," he said.

“I saw the apprenticeship as a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in project management while contributing to a historic project that will shape the future of the UK’s transport network.”