A new vacuum excavation technique for piling has been unveiled which could have massive benefits for the wider construction industry in the UK and abroad. Developed by specialist contractors working on HS2, the pioneering new approach is better for the environment, safer for workers and reduces construction noise, to the Read more…
HS2 Ltd has launched the 2,000 tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Florence’ from it’s South Portal site next to the M25 in Hertfordshire, the first of 10 giant tunnelling machines that will dig 64 miles of tunnels between London and the West Midlands. Named after nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale – Read more…
The latest in our ‘In Conversation With…’ virtual event series focused on the skills and jobs that will be created over the lifetime of the HS2 project. Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Apprentices and Life-Long Learning Minister, and Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail were joined Read more…
We spoke to Obedience Aruna, a Graduate Engineer working for Telent in Leicester: Can you describe your role in a few words? As contractors for Network Rail Telecom we deliver the renewal of legacy telecommunications equipment by designing new IP infrastructure producing both high and low level designs. What were Read more…
We spoke to Selina Hearne, an Apprentice Communications Engineer working for Telent in Birmingham. Can you describe your role in a few words? I work on the upgrade, development, installation and maintenance of various forms of communication, information, infrastructure and safety systems within the rail industry. What were you doing Read more…
Align joint venture, HS2’s construction partner for the Chilterns Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct, has taken an innovative step to reduce the use of single use plastic on its construction sites. Align analysed their purchasing data, which showed that they were using over 100,000 pairs of disposable blue plastic overshoes Read more…
Working in partnership with youth charity the Prince’s Trust, HS2’s construction partner for West Midlands and Warwickshire Balfour Beatty VINCI has pledged to provide 30 Kickstart placements this year as part of its ongoing commitment to support young people from the local area into work. The partnership also aligns with the Read more…
We spoke to Catherine Burrin, a rail apprentice from our Apprentice Network, based in London, and working for Thales. Can you describe your role in a few words? I am currently working in telecoms on the London Underground. What were you doing prior to your apprenticeship? When I left school, Read more…
We spoke to Bethany Williamson, a civil engineering apprentice from our High Speed Rail Apprentice Network, based in Birmingham, and working for Balfour Beatty Vinci. Can you describe your role in a few words? I work with the design team here – engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the Read more…
The first of 112,000 walls segments for the Chiltern tunnel were produced at a purpose-built production line at the project’s tunnelling HQ close to the M25 in preparation for the launch of HS2’s first giant tunnelling machines. The project’s first two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) – named Florence and Cecilia Read more…