Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The residents of Camden will get the skills necessary for construction work in just two weeks following a new training programme at the HS2’s Euston site.
Offering the prospect of being ‘work ready’ in as little as two weeks, the HS2 work opportunity is aimed at local 19-year-olds and above, in particular the unemployed or those looking to switch careers.
Around 30 local persons will receive, on project grounds, completely free of cost, training in and certification as a plant and machinery operator.
Where is the HS2 boot camp located?
The facility is located in the Euston Approaches site on Hampstead Road to make training operations at Euston easier.
Participants will receive in-depth instruction on a range of construction machinery, including excavators, dump trucks, and rollers, in order to become plant machinery operators.
The Euston Skills Centre offers both classroom education and practical training as part of the free program.
What are the details of collaboration and funding of the HS2 program?
A collaborative program called HS2 Construction Skills Bootcamp aims to train Camden locals with the abilities required for a job in construction.
Flannery Plant Hire, HS2, Euston Partnership, Camden Council, and construction partner Skanska Costain Strabag JV (SCS) collaborated to create the project.
Funding for the bootcamp comes from the Ministry of Education. For Camden individuals who are 19 years of age or older and looking to change careers or find work, this funding is crucial for delivering training.
Throughout the initiative, which is expected to last until the end of March 2025, participants will receive training to prepare them for the role of plant and machinery operators.
HS2 Ltd senior skills and inclusion manager Ambrose Quashie said: “We want local people to benefit from HS2, enabling them to access free, high-quality training and to develop transferable skills that will last a lifetime.
“With an extensive construction programme underway and ambitious plans for 2025, we need more skilled people to help us build the new railway. To achieve this, our contractors and supply chain partners are offering a variety of roles with long-term career prospects – this skills bootcamp is a fantastic way to harness these opportunities and to get a job ready in record time.”
What will the trainers gain after this HS2 training boot camp?
Participants who successfully complete the two-week training will be assured an interview for open plant operator positions in addition to receiving a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card attesting to their machine proficiency.
In addition to addressing the lack of skills in the local construction industry, the program hopes to take on about 30 participants and leave a lasting legacy of skills in the area.
Fatima, one of the first local residents to take part, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the two-week boot camp with Flannery. Not only did I learn how to operate two plant machines, it felt great to be on the HS2 site. I am overwhelmed to have accomplished my ticket for the roller and dumper. Doing the course has enhanced my confidence and knowledge for plant operations. Thank you all for changing my life.”
Camden Council cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden Adam Harrison said: “We are committed to ensuring that our residents benefit from the opportunities being created by the construction of HS2, as well as from access to good quality employment. That is why we are working together with HS2 and its construction partners in Euston to offer this fast-track pathway for local people to gain the skills and qualifications needed to secure good jobs in the construction industry and on the HS2 construction site in Euston.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to start or develop a career in construction, and I encourage residents who are interested to apply and to explore the wide range of training and employment opportunities we have available at our Euston Skills Centre.”
Flannery Plant Hire safety and skills director Aaron Davis stated: “By leveraging our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training, we are equipping participants with the practical skills, confidence, and certifications they need to access meaningful sustainable employment in the construction sector. The bootcamps not only address skills shortages in Camden and the surrounding Boroughs but also ensure that local residents are at the forefront of the opportunities created by landmark infrastructure projects like HS2.”
In what ways will the HS2 project tackle the lack of skills in the construction sector?
The HS2 project intends to use a number of initiatives to solve the skills gap in the construction sector.
The establishment of apprenticeships is one of the main tactics; during the course of the project, approximately 2,000 apprenticeships will be produced throughout HS2 Ltd. and its supply chain.
With an emphasis on providing high-quality apprenticeships in relevant disciplines, the project also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits the industry provides to individuals just beginning their careers. For Camden residents, Euston Approaches has also started a skills bootcamp that offers thorough instruction to become plant machinery operators.
What Impact Will HS2 Training Have on Camden’s Workforce?
The launch of the HS2 construction skills training camp in Camden helps address a skills gap in the local labour market, especially in relation to the HS2 project.
The construction industry in London is expecting a rise in the number of qualified workers, especially for major projects like HS2. According to estimates, in order to meet the demands of various building projects, 180,000 additional qualified workers will be required throughout the capital and southeast by 2025.
Over 4,500 people who had been unemployed have begun working at HS2 Ltd, demonstrating the local population’s need for job readiness and training.
Camden Council recognizes the importance of providing employment opportunities for residents affected by the local economy.
The growing skills gap in Camden and the larger London area is being addressed strategically with the HS2 Construction Skills Training Course.