Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2's construction partner for the West Midlands, has launched a paid placement scheme for university students. The program, now in its third year, aims to provide valuable work experience and career opportunities for students living or studying in the West Midlands. This year, 32 students from 12 universities have secured places on the eight-week program, supporting the construction of Britain's new high-speed railway.

The placement opportunities are available at Balfour Beatty VINCI construction sites and offices across south Staffordshire, Birmingham, and Warwickshire. The students, studying a range of subjects including civil engineering, quantity surveying, design engineering, finance, IT, and environmental sustainability, will gain hands-on experience in their respective fields.

Naomi Bates, Skills, Education and Employment Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI, expressed excitement about welcoming the new cohort and highlighted the program's success in supporting local university students. Julie Venn-Morton, HS2's Senior Legacy Manager for the region, emphasized HS2's commitment to creating new jobs and boosting career prospects for individuals in the West Midlands.

The students shared their enthusiasm for the program, with Catherine Purcell, a Civil Engineering student at the University of Nottingham, expressing excitement about learning how Balfour Beatty VINCI is contributing to building HS2 in the Midlands. Andreas Edwards, studying Quantity Surveying at Aston University, highlighted how the placement will deepen his understanding of the role in a real-life environment.

As construction on HS2 progresses, the project is now supporting over 31,000 jobs, including apprenticeships, graduate opportunities, and employment initiatives. Once complete, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, driving economic growth and creating more reliable journeys.

The news also provides information about Balfour Beatty, a leading international infrastructure group, and its ongoing projects worldwide, showcasing the company's impact on critical infrastructure and local communities. For more information about career and employment opportunities with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit hs2.org.uk/careers.