Work trials for those who are out of work in the Midland are providing fantastic opportunities which could lead to a new career on HS2. The trials aim to offer those who have been out of work for a good period of time or those who are interested in starting a career within the transport infrastructure sector.

HS2’s construction partner for the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI, has been offering work trials in construction and office roles which offer training and experience whilst in the workplace and last between 10 to 20 days. Those taking part in the programme who finish their trial successfully can transition directly into full-time employment with BBV or other companies within the HS2 supply chain.

The work trial programme with BBV has so far seen more than 130 unemployed individuals take up new careers with further opportunities still available throughout this year.

Regardless of skills or experience, work trials offer local people the chance to consider work opportunities with HS2. The fully funded programmes provide those taking part with a salary during the work trial.

Wahid Ahmed and Maisha Choudhury are a married couple from Stechford who both took on a work trial following a meeting at a careers event at Birmingham City Football Club. The couple had previously been made redundant from their jobs processing Covid-19 PCR tests and were on the lookout for something new.

After chatting with BBV’s Skills and Employment team at the event, Wahid and Maisha went on to be matched with positions within the company’s materials testing lab testing aggregate, concrete and asphalt. The couple completed their trials successfully and will start full-time employment this month as Materials Testing Technicians with Balfour Beatty VINCI at its Kenilworth lab.

Wahid said:

“I had no idea about how and why materials are tested to inform major construction projects like HS2. That’s why the work trial programme is great, it opens your eyes to all the different careers out there that you wouldn’t even know existed.”

“This is my first permanent job, so this is really special to me. The fact that I’ll be working with my wife is great, as it means we’ll have the same work timetable, so we can plan our personal lives better too.”

Maisha said:

“Getting a permanent job was a major step forward. I’m so happy, as this means that I can now house hunt in earnest and plan for my future.”

“I hope to achieve great things while working for HS2. There’s a lot of career progression available, which can help you gain more skills. I really want to progress and hopefully work my way up to becoming a laboratory manager.”

HS2 in the West Midlands sees 9,750 working to build the new high-speed railway, however, many more people will be needed to finish the 90km section, which runs through the area.

Shilpi Akbar, Head of Stakeholder and Communities at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said:

“As HS2’s construction partner in the Midlands, our role means we must also deliver for communities across the region, making sure they feel the full benefit of this project. That’s why we’re encouraging residents to improve or learn new skills by giving our work trials a go.”

“These placements combine training with on-the-job experience either in construction or office-based roles. Candidates who successfully complete a work trial are guaranteed an interview for full-time employment directly with us or within our supply chain.”

To find out more about Balfour Beatty VINCI’s work trial programme, get in touch with a Work Coach at the Job Centre or email BBV directly on [email protected]