TSSA union backs skills training initiatives

HS2 Ltd says that 2,200 people who were previously out of work have now secured skilled jobs at its 350 sites between London, the Midlands and Crewe.

The TSSA union, which represents HS2 workers, has applauded the promise of new jobs and apprentices.

“We heartily welcome this news, because there is no more important large-scale project taking place in our country today,” said Organising Director Nadine Rose.

“The Conservative government, which has reneged on HS2 commitments while claiming to be levelling up, needs to go back to the drawing board to build the line all the way to Scotland.”

In the past three months, 267 people have moved into employment with HS2’s construction partners and companies in the wider supply chain. They form part of the 27,000-strong total workforce.

HS2 has worked with further education colleges, local councils and enterprise partnerships to create training academies and specialist skills centres, which are for those who had never considered a career in construction, but who now have potentially 20 years’ work ahead of them. Candidates receive free training and paid work trials.