Engineering apprenticeship gives James the perfect career platform

"I meet new people every day and am learning new skills much quicker on the job."

Twenty-two-year-old James from Rugby works for HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI, as a Level 3 apprentice. He is based at BBV’s Coleshill site in Warwickshire.

James had always been interested in a career in engineering and a work experience placement with Balfour Beatty, when he was at secondary school, confirmed this.

He began an electrical engineering degree, but the textbook-style of learning didn’t suit him so he began to explore options that would allow him to combine studying and hand-on learning. Starting an apprenticeship offered him exactly that opportunity.

The chance to play a part in the delivery of Europe’s biggest infrastructure project really appealed to James, and in July 2020, he joined HS2’s construction partner for the region as an Apprentice Laboratory Technician.

 “I knew I wanted to work on HS2," James said. "It was talked about at school, so I already knew I wanted to be part of it. Balfour Beatty VINCI is the largest contractor on the project and is building HS2 in my area, so I really wanted to get a job with them.

“I’m now 18 months into my apprenticeship and am working in a laboratory supporting the earthworks department. I really enjoy it, as I get to go out to different sites and run safety tests to make sure the ground conditions are safe to build and work on.

"I meet new people every day and am learning new skills much quicker on the job. The training is great, and my tutors are really supportive. I get to work independently and am trusted to get on with things, which is really fulfilling.

“In the long-term, I want to complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified lab technician. I intend to work my way up the ladder and become a Senior Lab Technician and then hopefully become a manager with Balfour Beatty VINCI.”

HS2 has already welcomed over 650 new apprentice starts and, during National Apprenticeship Week (7–13 February) will open the recruitment window for 25 more talented people to join the business.

Those Apprenticeships will start in September 2022, offering a two-year programme which combines study and hands on experience working in a range of departments at HS2 Ltd.

More information on these can be found on the careers pages of HS2’s website during National Apprenticeship Week.