HS2 contractors tackle homelessness and skills…

High Speed 2 contractors are to help communities along the final part of the route into London tackle unemployment and homelessness, develop new science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, and access apprenticeships.

The scheme is called Empowering Communities and is said to be the first programme of its type led by the construction industry.

Supported by Costain, Skanska, STRABAG, Mace, Dragados and Arup, the programme will enable local people to have a say in what it delivers for their communities. It will work with local charities and community groups such as Buses 4 Homeless.

Other commitments include supporting young people, particularly those leaving care. Partner organisations are working with the Care Leavers Covenant and offering opportunities for young people to gain an insight into construction through mentoring, work placements and apprenticeships.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “This fantastic initiative highlights how being a good neighbour doesn’t just mean minimising the impact an infrastructure project has on local communities, it’s also about maximising the benefits to the surrounding areas.

“The Empowering Communities programme will help unleash the enormous potential of communities on the HS2 route - addressing social issues such as homelessness and unemployment and creating a legacy of jobs, skills and community initiatives for the people and places along the line.”

HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston added: “As we build Britain’s new low-carbon railway, there will be lots of opportunities for local communities to get involved in the project.

“Our contractors are leading the way in creating career opportunities for local people, and providing benefits to communities all across the route, creating a legacy for generations to come.”

Buses 4 Homeless founder Dan Atkins also expressed support, saying: “From the day we moved onto the HS2 site in October

2019, we have had nothing but support from Costain Skanska joint venture and HS2. The team gave us the opportunity we needed to be able to get our pilot programme up and running.

“Not only have they provided us with key equipment and supported us with paperwork and the land to run our project, most importantly the team have helped us upskill our guests.

“And through their supply chain, they have offered fulltime employment on the HS2 programme, giving our guests a big confidence boost to be able to gain independence and get back on their own feet.”