The Government has announced plans to open an FE college to train engineers who will work on the construction of the proposed HS2 high-speed rail project, the first phase of which is due to be completed in 2026.
HS2 Proposed Colne Valley viaduct
Location of the college has yet to be announced but is earmarked to open 2017 where students will be trained in the skills to construct the new railway; the college, the first new incorporated further education college in more than 20 years, will provide courses including technical training in rail engineering, environmental skills and construction.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“HS2 is the biggest infrastructure project that this government is delivering. So it is right that a large scale investment in bricks and mortar should also come with investment in the elite skills which will help build it. That’s why this government is launching the first further education college in over 20 years, which will train the next generation of engineers in rail, construction and environmental studies that this country needs to prosper.”
Mr Cable continued saying that the college will “train the next generation of engineers in rail, construction and environmental studies that this country needs to prosper”.
Former Network Rail Chief Executive Sir David Higgins, who is officially beginning his new job as chairman of HS2, said the college would address the problem of a lack of engineers who “too often tend to go overseas”.
Patrick McLoughlin Transport Secretary agreed that the HS2 project would help to retain engineers in the UK while the training programme would support the “national skills base” and provide a “tangible skills” legacy for the UK. It is hoped the HS2 create up to 2,000 apprentices during the lifetime of construction.
Skills minister Matthew Hancock said:
“HS2 will be a world class project using cutting edge technology. It is vital we act now to ensure we have enough skilled people to build HS2 and make sure as many jobs as possible are local.
“This new elite institution with a specific focus on rail construction and maintenance will give learners new skills which respond not only to the needs of HS2, but also to the future of rail engineering so is vital for Britain’s future.”
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said the college would have “cutting-edge technology and use state-of-the-art equipment” to provide training courses for the specific needs of the rail project, which is expected to generate more than 2,000 apprenticeships.
When completed, it is predicted that HS2 will underpin the delivery of 400,000 jobs.
Although the appointment of Sir David Higgins demonstrates the Government’s intention to complete the project, campaigners continue to lobby against the construction of HS2, claiming that the cost and disruption will not out-weigh the benefits.