More than 2,000 young people could be offered construction apprenticeships as a result of the Government's ongoing plans for a new high-speed rail link.
The first phase of the controversial rail link, known as HS2, will see trains running from London to Birmingham, with the second phase seeing trains running between Manchester and Leeds.
Nottinghamshire is at the centre of the second phase of HS2, with a new rail station expected to be built at Toton and, in light of this, apprenticeships ranging from electricians to plumbers, could be created in this area and many others.
Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, told This Is Nottingham that it was crucial that cities such as Nottingham made the most of the new link and ensure that maximum economic benefits, such as job creation and skills development, are generated by the plans.
Mr McLoughlin said: "HS2 provides a once in a generation opportunity to drive growth, generate jobs, develop skills and secure our country's future prosperity. We need to squeeze every possible benefit from this vital project, leaving no stone unturned.”
HS2 Ltd has already given four young apprentices the chance to work on the national infrastructure project, giving them pre-apprenticeship training with City Gateway. All of them are now working in the public enquiries, IT and land and property departments at HS2, the Evening Standard reported.
HS2 Ltd chief executive Alison Munro told the newspaper: “As HS2 moves forward we intend to develop our apprenticeship opportunities with our supply chain — expanding into areas like construction, technology and the environment."
The consultation into the second phase of HS2 will begin this week and will run until the end of this year. Responses to the consultation will then play a key part in determining the final route, station and depot options for HS2. These decisions will be reached by the end of next year.