By lyndamyer
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), which is HS2’s construction partner, is providing the chance to trial a new career working on the giant tunneling machines that are going to excavate under the ground in Warwickshire and Birmingham.
In order to ensure that local people benefit from upskilling and employment opportunities on Britain’s new railway, this 20-day career trial, which is delivered in conjunction with Tunnelcraft, is the latest advancement in HS2’s drive.
While currently, the number of active people in HS2’s construction is around 25,000, the employment boost is expected to continue into the next decade, and beyond, as work on future phases of the project to Crewe, Manchester, and the East Midlands get underway.
According to Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Skills Manager for the region:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local people who are out of work, or looking for a new start, to develop the skills they need to begin building a career in the construction sector. We need thousands of highly skilled workers to support HS2’s construction and this placement program could well lead to a long-term career on this transformational project.”
Launching from Long Itchington Wood, Warwickshire in December, Dorothy, BBV’s first giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) is due to complete her first one-mile drive later this summer and then return to Long Itchington to commence digging her second mile-long tunnel. The determined location for the accommodation of candidates, who are interested in joining the 20-day career trial, will be the Long Itchington site, where they will work alongside BBV’s team of experts leading the second phase of the tunneling program.
The 18 years old or over candidates are allowed to participate in paid work trial, whereas during the placement, trainees will develop an understanding of all aspects of delivering complex tunneling programs, from the work that takes place in the pit top, the slurry treatment plant and the mechanical and electrical works required.
Shilpi Akbar, Head of Stakeholders and Communities at BBV said: “This work trial is the latest in a long line of opportunities we’re creating for people across the region, who want to expand their skills and experiences.”
“It’s not every day that you get the chance to work on such an exciting and complex tunneling project, so I’d encourage people who are interested to get in touch straight away,” added Shilpi Akbar.
For more information about the tunneling placement program, or to register your interest, contact Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills, Employment, and Education team at see.team@balfourbeattyvinci.com.
