Skills4Stem provides apprentices for Align JV to work on HS2 train line

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Align is a joint venture of three international infrastructure companies comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine, who are delivering the Central 1 (C1) portion of HS2 phase 1, the new high-speed line between London and the West Midlands.

A £167 million contract was recently awarded to KVJV, (a joint venture between KELLER UK and VSL International) by Align JV to deliver geotechnical work as part of the C1 package.

At the peak of production, the project will require 270 highly skilled people from KVJV working on site, drawing on their expertise in ground engineering and foundations (diaphragm walls, grouting, piling).

In October 2020, Skills4Stem delivered apprenticeship training to eight civil engineer apprentices, all of whom were chosen by Align JV for assistance with the HS2 project, and, Keller has also now turned to Skills4Stem for the same.

“We are delighted to be able to work with Align JV and have been able to deliver apprentices not just to them, but also their supply chain,” said Sarah Davis, CEO, Skills4Stem. “By offering apprentices a level of customisation, we are able to provide an alternative to a college education.”

“Some of the apprentices we received from Skills4Stem were recent school leavers, between the ages of 16 and 25, and we were keen to link with local schools and the community to provide this opportunity,” added Steven Roberts, learning and development Advisor, Align JV.

“They are able to partake in various parts of the project, for example, some are currently situated in the technical department with a focus on design, others are more site-based, so they are being exposed to a good mix of functions. This has provided them with a well-rounded view on the project and flexibility exists for shadowing other departments.

“One of the benefits of this type of apprenticeship from Skills4Stem is that the apprentices can enrol at any point without the restrictions of the academic year; this has significantly helped with our placement requirements.”