Free construction training for women from October

HS2 is working with Women into Construction (WiC) to help more women in the Midlands launch a career in the sector.  

A free four-week programme, starting in October, will offer two weeks of training, a two-week work placement on HS2 and one-to-one support from the not-for-profit.  

Childcare and transport costs will be covered, while on placement. 

On completion, candidates will gain a construction skills accreditation, enabling them to work on site, ready to start a new career.  

The work placement element of the course is varied, with candidates able to select site or office roles, including: 

• Project Management 
• Corporate Social Responsibility 
• Engineering 

“Our partnership with WiC is now in its fourth year and we’ve supported local women from a broad range of backgrounds, whether university graduates, or new mums returning to the workplace, to start new careers,” said Beatriz Ramos Albert, HS2’s corporate responsibility and sustainability apprentice co-ordinating the programme. 

Adding: “I’d encourage anyone looking for help to get back into work to come along to our information day. The four-week course is free of charge and is a great way for women to boost their confidence, gain experience and link up with companies in our supply chain that are actively recruiting.” 

Twenty-five-year-old Riswana from Coventry graduated from the programme in January and has now secured a full-time engineering role with Mott MacDonald. 

“I was struggling to find work after studying and it really knocked my confidence,” said Riswana. “I joined the programme and spent two weeks on placement with the team working to deliver HS2’s Curzon Street Station. 

“The work experience, and one-to-one support I received with my CV and interview technique, was exactly what I needed. Within no time, I’d secured a job in engineering. I haven’t looked back.” 

For more information, or for details of the upcoming information day, which will be held at HS2’s offices in Birmingham on 20 September from 10.30am – 12pm, click here. 

Enjoyed this? Try REVEALED: Tier 1 firms running for Social Impact Award