HS2 apprenticeship journeys

Matt

“My time at HS2 began working in a project management team and allowed me to gain the fundamental concepts of project management and allowed me to fully comprehend the roles and responsibilities that they adhere to.

“Following on from this I went on to work alongside a risk a manger and even onto doing a year long stint in a commercial team basing myself over at the contractors office 5 days a week. This really allowed me to get to grips with the NEC 3 contract type we use at HS2 and understand the client contractor relationship. One of the most crucial things I learnt from this was how the contracts at HS2 were set up and how costs are ran on a multimillion pound contract. This is vital experience for any aspiring project manager.

“My Role at HS2 now involves assisting my areas project team in the day to day running of multiple projects, assisting in any areas where additional support is required, analysing large quantities of data to ensure we are getting value for money and helping with contract administration.”

Chris

“Whilst at HS2 I have been given lots of responsibility which has aided my progression and ability into Commercial Management, building invaluable relationships within the work place.

“Since I started at HS2 I have been able to voice my views and opinions with experienced heads, as well as asking for advice when needed. This shows that the environment we work in is one with respect and integrity, the perfect place to develop.

“As an apprentice I was given the freedom to explore different functional areas, even having the opportunity to deliver a project to the HS2 CEO and Executive Leadership Team.

“My Apprenticeship significantly enhanced my knowledge of project/commercial management, the rail industry and construction.

“I have been working on HS2 for 2.5 years, my time on the project has enabled me to develop myself both professional and personally. I have been able to move around the business and experience many different functions from project management to commercial and more. Moving around different areas allowed me to gain a wide depth of knowledge and decide the career I wanted to pursue. My current role sees me undertaking payment assessments, quantity surveying, NEC3 contract management and aspects of procurement.”

Naomi

“This has definitely been the right choice for me, I am closer to realising my career goals and have gained valuable experience while working towards new qualifications.”

A once in a lifetime opportunity to work on Britain’s new high-speed railway bought Naomi to HS2. With a background in customer service and support roles, she had never studied for an apprenticeship before and went straight into the world of work after trying university and realising it wasn’t for her. At the age of 34, she is a great example of how it’s never too late to start an apprenticeship.

Undertaking a project management apprenticeship, she is at the forefront of the UK’s digital construction revolution, BIM (Building Information Management), involved with creating digital models of the railway for use in the design and construction phase.

As well as new project management skills, Naomi has also developed her communication, being able to present to large audiences and communicate more confidently with senior colleagues.

Mariella