The workforce on HS2 increased by over 2,000 in the last quarter, bringing the total number of jobs on the project to a record 24,800.
HS2’s most recent reporting figures also show that it has surpassed the 900 new apprentice starts milestone just 20 months after full construction on the first phase of the project began.
HS2 is on track to meet its target of 2,000 apprenticeships, with 923 apprentices now benefiting from career development investment as the project strives to create a talent pool that will drive forward the UK’s major infrastructure projects of the future and leave a lasting skills legacy.
Civils construction is underway at over 300 sites between the West Midlands and London, and a Bill to extend the high-speed network north to Manchester has been submitted to Parliament.
Mark Thurston, CEO at HS2 Ltd said: “2022 is shaping up to be a huge year for HS2. Our expanding workforce reflects the scale of progress we are making.
“With all three phases of the project now in progress, and two decades of construction work still ahead of us, the scale of opportunity for individuals and businesses on HS2 right across the UK continues to grow at pace.”
The supply chain for HS2 expanded further, with 76 new UK businesses receiving contract awards, bringing the total number of unique UK businesses involved in the supply chain to 2,515.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) benefited as well, as they sought stability and new job opportunities in the aftermath of the pandemic, accounting for 61 percent of the supply chain.
This is a fantastic milestone, and the Danny Sullivan Group is extremely proud to supply labour to such a large project. We are excited to watch it grow over the next few years and to see people advance their careers in construction with us.
