Over the length of the construction of Britain’s new high speed zero-carbon railway HS2 has recognised the importance of investing in the future.

Apprenticeships form an essential gateway for young people to start their career in the rail industry.

This has never been more important as it’s crucial the rail industry does all it can to address its ageing workforce.

HS2 has made a major push in this regard particularly with the recent announcement that students in the Midlands will be offered summer internships with HS2.

During last month’s TCR Midlands conference Robin Lapish, Senior supply chain Manager at HS2 spoke on the importance of apprenticeships.

Mr Lapish said: “Investing in future talent is absolutely at the core of HS2. This is vital for the rail industry as a whole. A record 825 new apprenticeships have been introduced on the project ensuring we’re well paced to smash that 2,000 apprenticeship target. I implore all of you to engage with your families and networks to consider a career in helping deliver Britain’s brand new zero-carbon railway.”

A recent study from City & Guilds and The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) found that over 28% of rail’s current workforce is over 50 years old.

A skills shortfall could also be imminent within the rail industry.

Data shows that the industry may soon need to add around 120,000 people to the current workforce to avoid a skills shortfall over the next 5-10 years.

All of this shows the importance of bringing young people into the industry to work on projects like HS2 to help avoid a devastating skills shortage.

For more information on HS2, visit: https://www.hs2.org.uk/.