Press release - HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), is offering the chance to trial a new career working on the giant tunnelling machines that will bore beneath the ground in Warwickshire and Birmingham.

The 20 day career trial, delivered in conjunction with Tunnelcraft, is the latest development in HS2’s drive to ensure that local people benefit from upskilling and employment opportunities on Britain’s new railway.

Almost 25,000 people are now playing their part in HS2’s construction and 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.

Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Skills Manager for the region said:

“This is 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 programme could well lead to a long-term career on this transformational project.”

Dorothy, BBV’s first giant tunnel boring machine (TBM), launched from Long Itchington Wood, Warwickshire in December. She will complete her first one mile bore later this summer and then return to Long Itchington to begin excavating her second mile-long tunnel. Candidates interested in joining the 20 day career trial, will be based at the Long Itchington site, where they will work alongside BBV’s team of experts leading the second phase of the tunnelling programme.

The paid work trial is open to candidates aged 18 or over. During the placement, trainees will develop an understanding of all aspects of delivering complex tunnelling programmes, 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 tunnelling project, so I’d encourage people who are interested to get in touch straight away.”

For more information about the tunnelling placement programme, or to register your interest, contact Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills, Employment and Education team at see.team@balfourbeattyvinci.com