Women in the West Midlands are being encouraged to choose a career in the construction industry, with HS2 keen to ensure that more women benefit from the 30,000 jobs they say the project will support.

Major construction on HS2 is set to begin later this year, with 30,000 people playing a role in designing and delivering the new backbone to Britain’s railway, and HS2 is eager to ensure that local people, under-represented and disadvantaged groups are amongst them.

The Routes into Construction for Women programme has been designed in partnership with Women into Construction, HS2 Ltd, South and City College, West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council.

It comprises a two-week employability course, which will include the opportunity for applicants to gain their CSCS card, followed by a four-week work experience placement at one of a number of HS2’s supply chain companies, in addition to opportunities for placements at HS2 Ltd.

Work experience placements will be offered in a variety of roles including ecology, civil engineering, design and archaeology with West Midlands based companies including LMJV, BBV, WSP, Eiffage Kier and Fusion.

Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd’s head of skills, employment and education, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for women in the region to find out more about HS2 and the role that they can play in transforming our railways and the UK economy.

“HS2 opens up career opportunities in so many fields and this is a great way to find out about the jobs coming up. 7,000 people have already played a role in delivering HS2 and we want to see more women in the 30,000 roles the project will support.”

Kath Moore, managing director at Women into Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with HS2 to enable women to access work-placements and potentially kick start their careers on this exciting project.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme is encourage to attend an information event at South and City College, Bordesley Green Campus, Birmingham on Thursday 2 May at 12:30pm.