HS2 Graduate Journeys
Rubi
“The graduate scheme at HS2 allowed me to explore my interests in both engineering and project management. By rotating around the business, I gained experience in both areas and eventually found a team and area of the business that I became really interested in. This eventually led me to getting a full time role within that team, and my opportunities and experiences have grown from there.
I am now a Commercial Operations Project Manager within the Infrastructure Directorate, managing a team of project management coordinators.
“I have become a Mental Health First Aider, STEM ambassador, and have done a number of public speaking events on the importance of encouraging young people to join the construction sector and of diversity within the workplace.
“I am responsible for managing projects that will lead to the set up of the companies that will eventually operate, manage and maintain the railway. I also manage the production of the Operational Cost Baseline, the estimation for the cost of operating the railway.”
In 2017/18, 28% of our graduates were BAME.
Our recruitment model helps deliver a diverse cohort of employees.
Sam
“The HS2 graduate programme has provided me with the best possible foundation for a career which I am highly grateful for and proud of. The programme offered a huge variety of experience, provided me with a lot of flexibility to tailor my experience, and gave me instant responsibility in the projects I became involved in.
Graduates are very fortunate in that you are able to engage immediately and on a regular basis with the senior executives of the organisation which is priceless for your personal and professional development in addition to your confidence.
“I began HS2 as a graduate in project management and was not only provided with great placements throughout the 24 month programme working on a variety of different, and very complex, projects, but I also achieved my Project Manager’s Qualification through the APM by the end of the programme.
“The best part of the structure of the graduate programme is the flexibility it offers to you in terms of placements and projects to get involved in. I now work in the Commercial Development team as a Manager and I am on my way to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. Furthermore, I still use my project management skills and training on a daily basis and I believe I am still developing a broad set of capabilities. I do not believe many other organisations would have provided me with the freedom to follow my interests and seek a job within the company that I feel so passionately about.”
