HS2 to get engineering college

Controversial railway line to train its own technical staff in the UK

The HS2 high-speed rail link is to have a dedicated further education college to train engineers specifically for the project, the government has announced.

The college, which is expected to open by 2017, will be the first new incorporated further education institution in more than 20 years.

It will build relationships with a network of existing colleges, private training providers and higher education institutions, the Department for Transport said.

David Higgins, HS2 chairman, said: “This country produces some of the best engineers to be found anywhere in the world. The problem is that there aren't enough of them, and there isn't a long enough guaranteed work-stream to keep them here.

“HS2 provides us with a chance to address both issues. The sheer length of the project means we can offer people a rewarding career in engineering in this country, whilst the multiplicity of skills required means we will be equipping a new generation with the experience at the cutting edge of technology.”

No details were available about the location of the college, although reports indicated that it will be situated along the route of HS2. Detailed information about the courses to be offered by the college and its size have also yet to be disclosed.

The announcement was welcomed by industry. Dr Tony Whitehead, director of policy at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said: “The success of High Speed 2 will depend on the availability of world-class engineers and technicians. The sector is experiencing a skills shortage, so we welcome the government’s announcement to establish a dedicated training college for HS2 engineers.

Alistair Dormer, chief executive of Hitachi Rail Europe, which is building a new train factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said: “We are very pleased the government recognises the importance of good infrastructure. As part of our commitment to the UK we are taking on apprentices in all our locations and will be working with a local college to train the engineers, technicians and designers of tomorrow."