HS2 Announce Tunnelling Operative Apprenticeship opportunities

Qualitrain are incredibly proud to be working closely with J3M to design a Tunnelling Operative development programme for HS2s construction partner, Align JV.

Earlier this week, shortly after the launch of ‘Florence’, their first giant tunnelling machine, Align JV went on to announce 9 new Tunnelling Operative Apprenticeship vacancies, as part of the programme to dig twin bore tunnels beneath the Chilterns. This incredible career opportunity will give the apprentices the chance to learn core skills while working on this historical project with Tunnelling experts.

The Level Two Tunnelling Operative Apprenticeships will be with TG Tunnelling, a well-respected contractor of Align JV. The apprentices will be based close to Ruislip at the South Portal of the Chilterns tunnel where HS2’s 2,000 tonne tunnel boring machines begin their enterprise.

With only a short time until HS2’s second tunnelling machine ‘Cecilia’ is launched, TG Tunnelling and Align JV are keen to recruit their apprentices. 

Jhen-Nel Swanston, HS2’s Skills Manager for the Central region said:

“Providing entry-level roles aligned to some of the most sophisticated engineering elements of the project is a clear sign of our commitment to upskill the next generation and leave a lasting skills legacy.”

“This level of investment has never been more important as we strive to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic, and we’re committed to ensuring that local people benefit from these and thousands of other job opportunities on HS2.”

Neil Hancox, Chair of TunnelSkills said;

“This apprenticeship programme will take emerging talent on a journey of learning and discovery in the tunnelling sector. This is an exciting time for the industry and this investment will lead to a highly qualified and experienced workforce for the future.”

Mike Perkins, Qualitrain’s Business Development Director, said:

“This is a great opportunity to bring fresh talent into the rail sector. Qualitrain are very excited to work with the HS2 project and are looking forward to helping develop the new apprentices into Tunnelling experts.”