Balfour Beatty VINCI Launches HS2 Apprenticeship Route

Balfour Beatty VINCI is backing a new fast-track training programme designed to help unemployed residents in the West Midlands secure careers in construction.
The long-existing powerhouse duo are partnering with the British government-owned company HS2, which is responsible for the construction of the new high -speed railway of the same name, and Mace Dragados, to deliver the initiative.

It offers unemployed residents the chance to gain practical skills, health and safety accreditation and access to apprenticeships on one of Europe's largest infrastructure programmes.

The six-week General Operatives Training Programme builds on Balfour Beatty VINCI's existing employment routes, equipping participants with the knowledge and experience necessary to begin a career in construction.

Candidates who complete the course automatically qualify for an interview for an 18-month apprenticeship.

A fast-track route into construction

The training will be delivered at South and City College's Bordesley Green campus. Successful candidates will progress into apprenticeship opportunities across the Curzon Street Station project and the wider HS2 railway which is under construction through Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

The scheme reflects a broader push across UK infrastructure to convert unemployment into skilled labour, at a time when major programmes are competing for a limited construction workforce.

 "We're creating more new apprenticeship opportunities for local people who are currently out of work, as part of our ongoing commitment to leave a lasting skills legacy in the West Midlands," says Kam Hundal, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI.

Building on an established skills legacy

The programme extends a track record of employment initiatives that Balfour Beatty VINCI has run alongside its HS2 works that have seen:

• 2,273 unemployed local residents secure work on HS2 
• 885 people start apprenticeships through the programme

These schemes are designed to translate a major national infrastructure investment into local economic opportunity, particularly for residents who face barriers to entering the industry.

The model offers a template built on a few core principles:

• A defined, time-limited training period of six weeks
• A guaranteed interview outcome for those who complete it
• Delivery through an established further education partner
• A direct link to a long-term apprenticeship pathway
• Alignment with a major regional infrastructure programme

 "Candidates who successfully complete a six-week training programme are guaranteed an interview for these entry-level roles.
Along the way, we'll equip them with the skills and health and safety accreditation they need to start working in construction," Kam adds.

Support for the wider workforce

Beyond individual opportunity, the programme is positioned as part of Balfour Beatty VINCI's contribution to a lasting regional skills legacy tied to HS2's delivery.

Local residents interested in joining are encouraged to register through their local Jobcentre Plus, giving the scheme a direct, accessible entry point for those furthest from the labour market.

Balfour Beatty VINCI's partners:

HS2 Ltd
As client and design principle, HS2 sits at the centre of Balfour Beatty VINCI's operations. Balfour Beatty VINCI's Integrated Project Team mirrors the values and guiding principles of its client HS2. Balfour Beatty VINCI is HS2's joint venture construction partner for the West Midlands section of the railway, delivering 90km of route between Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Mace Dragados
A joint venture of Mace and Spanish firm Dragados, appointed by HS2 to build Curzon Street Station in Birmingham. Mace Dragados collaborates with Balfour Beatty VINCI on West Midlands employment initiatives, estimating over 1,000 jobs on the station project, including around 150 new entrant and apprenticeship roles earmarked for unemployed local people. 

Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a British, global management, engineering and development consultancy that, alongside SYSTRA, was announced as design partner for Balfour Beatty VINCI's HS2 bid. Mott MacDonald has been involved in HS2 for more than six years, providing planning, engineering and environmental services.

AA Euro
AA Euro is one of Balfour Beatty VINCI's supply chain partners on HS2, working alongside Martifer to deliver welding apprenticeships supporting the Curzon Approaches viaducts. The partnership created 10 apprenticeship opportunities designed to address the UK's welding skills shortage while providing local people with recognised training and long-term construction career opportunities.

Martifer 
This supply chain partner supports welding apprenticeships on HS2. The apprenticeships are designed to help address the UK's welding skills shortage while building the Curzon Approaches viaducts.