HS2 Ltd has strengthened its future talent pool, welcoming a total of 44 new starters to its 2024 early careers programme. The intake of 26 graduates and 18 apprentices have joined the company across multiple office and site locations between the West Midlands and London. They join teams responsible for disciplines including project management, engineering, cyber security, procurement and surveying. Lasting up to two years, HS2 Ltd’s early careers courses are designed to provide participants with a breadth of business knowledge and construction-based experience – combining on-the-job training with portfolio-based learning. Karen Davis, Head of People Development at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that our 44 new starters have chosen to begin their careers with HS2. They join us from a variety of backgrounds – from school and university leavers, to people who were looking for a change in career direction. “On-the-job learning through apprenticeships and graduate opportunities are invaluable in attracting and shaping the workforce of the future. As we continue ahead with peak construction, there has never been a more exciting time to jump on board with HS2.” Alongside their graduate or apprenticeship scheme, the new starters will also benefit from dedicated training and development aimed at boosting the core skills and behaviours needed in any business, such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, innovation, resilience and presentation skills. 25-year-old Harry Fellows, from Solihull, is a project management graduate trainee. He said: “I am looking forward to getting involved in a project which will benefit the nation both socially and economically. I am excited to play my part in facilitating the project’s completion, no matter how big or small that part may be. “I am also excited to undertake my professional career with HS2 and the graduate scheme, helping to further develop myself personally and professionally whilst benefiting HS2 itself.” 23-year-old Maya Marmorato, from Greater London, is studying an apprenticeship in project management. She said: “I joined HS2 because of its visions and goals to increase travel capacity and reduce journey times across our country.  “If HS2 had been established during my upbringing, it would have significantly changed our lives. Joining HS2 is an honourable opportunity to create value for the future.”  Since the HS2 early careers programme began in 2017, 33 graduates and 66 apprentices have gone on to successfully secure permanent jobs helping to build Britain’s new railway. This adds to the 2,000 apprenticeships which are due to be created across HS2 Ltd and its supply chain over the lifecycle of the project. HS2, which is due to open between 2029 and 2033, is now at peak construction. More than 31,000 people and 3,200 UK businesses are currently supporting the delivery of the new high-speed rail line. Once operational, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London Euston and Birmingham to just 49 minutes – with trains running further north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.    HS2 Ltd’s annual early careers recruitment drive will begin again in January 2025. For more information about the career opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals