The new high-tech training facility will provide the specialist training, skills and qualifications required to build HS2 and other future infrastructure projects, and is on course to open in September 2017. It is located at Birmingham city centre's Science Park and Doncaster's Lakeside Campus.
HS2, the new Y-shaped high-speed line between London and Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, is projected to create around 25,000 jobs during construction of Phases One and Two as well as 2000 apprenticeships. The complete project is expected to support up to 100,000 jobs across Britain.
"The National College for High Speed Rail will help re-define what it means to be employed by the rail industry by attracting new people and providing the opportunity to create the diverse workforce that the industry aspires to," says Ms Beth West, HS2 commercial director and member of the college board.
The college is being developed under a partnership between the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Transport, Birmingham City Council, Doncaster Council and HS2 Ltd.
