Project background
High Speed Two (HS2) is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. It has been and will continue to be an engine for growth for the UK economy. The project will have a legacy that will benefit the country and will be one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the country's history.
Not only does HS2 bring economic benefits and help to relieve the capacity issue on Victorian infrastructure in places on the mainlines, it also brings huge benefits to communities. It offers massive opportunities for young people to get into the industry and work on the iconic project.
Building Britain’s Future
HS2 is the first new intercity railway to be built north of London in over a century. Construction is well underway, employing over 28,000, including over 1,500 apprentices and 4,000 previously unemployed, and bringing together the best of British design and engineering. Over 95% of the companies building the railway are British-based and from every region of the UK. £11 billion of contracts have been let.
Comprising 140 miles of track, four new state-of-the-art stations, two depots, 32 miles of tunnel, and 130 bridges, HS2 will leave a legacy of environmentally responsible travel, economic regeneration, and technological innovation for generations to come.
The project is currently at peak construction on HS2, with the completion of the route’s longest tunnels, stations coming out the ground and hundreds of bridges and viaducts taking shape.
HS2 will soon be awarding railway and track contracts as they enter the next phase of delivery and step closer to opening in the early 2030s.
Impact
Better journeys
HS2 will ensure better journeys for rail users in the West Midlands, London, and the Southeast, with more services, faster journeys and fewer delays. It will provide more tracks, more trains, more seats and faster journeys to improve performance and reliability across the wider rail network, adding thousands of extra seats a day to the West Coast Main Line.
Modern, eco-friendly flagship stations at Curzon Street, Interchange, Old Oak Common, and Euston will act as transport hubs, putting hundreds of destinations in easy reach for travellers – and nearly halve the journey times between Birmingham and London.
Boosting the economy
By better connecting Britain’s biggest economic centres and catalysing plans for inner-city regeneration, HS2 will open up opportunities for the creation of thousands of new jobs and homes as well as driving transformative economic growth.
Reflecting on NTU
How did your studies at NTU enable you to input into this project?
Studying at NTU gives you a grounding of what is required to make you successful within the industry. I would say though, the most significant thing you can do is undertake work experience whilst studying, as this will make a significant difference. By working and studying part-time, it has allowed me to progress in my career successfully. Networking has allowed me to be confident in my role and made me feel easier within a work environment.
What words would you share to inspire current and future students at NTU?
The construction industry is currently booming. In particular the infrastructure market has fantastic opportunities, which includes flagship projects such as HS2, Hinkley Point C, Thames Tideway & Heathrow Airport Expansion to name a few. There is great satisfaction in delivering work, that will benefit people's lives and it is a proud moment to see work complete and know you have been a part of it. I would say enjoy your degree and take every opportunity. Go to events, network, and my biggest words of wisdom is to get experience where possible, whether that be an internship or placement - it makes a massive difference when applying for graduate positions.
Why did you choose NTU and your course?
Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Trent has great facilities and an amazing reputation within the construction industry. Therefore, it was an easy choice for me to apply for MSc Quantity Surveying. I chose the course as I was required to do a conversion course in Quantity Surveying part-time - because of my role at work. As I had studied Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Business as an undergraduate, I was classed as a non-cognitive and therefore required to undertake a conversion course.
What have you done since leaving NTU?
Since leaving NTU I have undertaken several roles in a senior capacity on projects such as High Speed Two, Network Rail, East West Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Cardiff Crossrail & Coventry Very Light Rail.
I have also become an NTU Alumni Fellow and as part of this, I have undertaken mentoring and been a part of being on employer panels.
Furthermore, I have also made relationships in the industry with leading industry forums and engaged with social value initiatives for organisations.
Finally, due to my passion for raising awareness for Mental Health, I became a Mental Health First Aider.
Interested in finding out some more about the HS2 project? You can explore the full story on the .