Here are the views of our Principal Transportation Consultant, Dan Brokenshire, following the announcement that HS2 has been confirmed.

The confirmation of HS2 is undoubtedly great news for the industry; it’s halo projects like this that allow the maintenance and intergenerational transfer of skills upon which the UK’s construction and engineering reputation is built. The secondary and perhaps less obvious bi-product of the commitment to this new railway is the fact that it will create work, catalyse innovation and persuade the next generation to get into the industry. Phase 1 and 2a will now be worked on simultaneously which will allow regeneration projects to commence, good news for both associated industries and local communities.

HS2 could be a unique showcase of the UK’s ability to deliver projects of a scale which of late have only been seen in Asia and the Middle East. The economic impact of inward investment will no doubt encourage companies to invest in their people, build exportable skills, catalysing activity throughout the value chain. The announcement last week was essentially one of opportunity creation as well as a brave political step. If you reflect on the last two big rail projects - Cross Rail (budget est. £20bn) and the Channel Tunnel (budget est. £12bn in today’s money) this is a seriously long-term play.

We have been supporting clients with the provision of manpower on the project for some time and look forward to doing so in future but for the scheme to be a success there needs to be joined-up thinking between all interested parties. This needs to widen the employment pool to include international talent, upskilled workers from similar industries and the yet-trained workforce of tomorrow. As recruiters, we can see the potential land grab of talent over the horizon as consultancies and contractors look to bolster their ranks and position themselves as ready to take on the task.

I’m sure there will be challenges ahead, but it bodes well for an industry which is having to diversify constantly as the built environment is redefined by legislation, technology, and use.

Feature image

Source: SIEMENS/ PA, from BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51443421