The National College for High Speed Rail has taken a significant step towards opening its doors as a key part of the Birmingham site nears completion.
Finalising the roof structure is a significant point in the construction phase and means the College is on track to open to students in September 2017 when it will provide the specialist training, skills and qualifications required to build HS2 and future rail infrastructure projects.
Along with its sister site in Doncaster’s Lakeside, the College - based in Birmingham’s university district - will play a vital role in ensuring Britain addresses the impending skills shortage in the engineering sector while upskilling the current workforce.
It is estimated that British businesses will need approximately 87,000 graduate level engineers every year for the next ten years and 30 per cent of the current workforce will need further training to deliver the demands of the High Speed Rail industry.
Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said: "HS2 will be the backbone of our national rail network and help us build an economy that works for all. The significant benefits of the scheme will not just be felt from when the trains start running. Work on the new College sites shows the transformational effect that HS2 is already having, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Around 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships will be generated during construction of HS2, which is due to begin next year.
"The UK is highly regarded for its engineering capabilities but we need to do more to attract new talent to the sector as well as improving the skills of the current workforce. That is why the Government launched a transport skills strategy earlier this year committing us to create 30,000 apprenticeships across roads and rail by 2020. The National College for High Speed Rail is a vital part of these plans as it will provide the cutting-edge skills we need to deliver HS2 and other world-beating infrastructure."
Birmingham City Council, Doncaster Council and the Local Enterprise Partnerships for both areas support the college and have carried out significant work in partnership with HS2 Ltd to help set up the structure of the College and develop the curriculum.
Businesses interested in upskilling employees and those considering a career path in the High Speed Rail industry can register their interest at the College’s newly launched website.
