Press Release

Balfour Beatty has helped reach a major employment and skills milestone on HS2, as a Birmingham teenager working with the Company was crowned the project’s 2,000th apprentice — underlining the vital role major infrastructure plays in creating long-term career opportunities across the UK.  

Latest figures published by HS2 Ltd confirm that more than 2,000 apprenticeships have now been created on the high-speed rail project, alongside over 5,600 people supported into work from unemployment, exceeding targets set before construction began.  

The combined impact of apprenticeships and job creation delivered on HS2 to date is estimated to be worth £315 million to the UK economy, according to HS2’s Mind the Skills Gap report. 

The apprentice, who is known as Mohammed Sharif from Birmingham, is now completing a civil engineering apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty VINCI, the construction partner delivering HS2 works in the region.  

Living just minutes from HS2’s Curzon Street route, Mohammed was inspired by seeing construction activity outside his bedroom window. After studying a TLevel in Construction, he completed a work placement on HS2 and was subsequently offered an apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty VINCI.

Mohammed Sharif, Civil Engineering Apprentice at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Balfour Beatty VINCI gave me the opportunity to progress from college into a real career in civil engineering. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this project.” 

Balfour Beatty is committed to developing the next generation of engineers and infrastructure specialists across rail and highways, ensuring the UK has the skills required to deliver future transport, energy and economic growth projects. 

HS2 data shows that the majority of apprentices and previously unemployed individuals supported into work live close to the route, helping ensure that largescale infrastructure investment delivers lasting local benefits as well as national connectivity.  

As HS2 progresses from major civil engineering into rail systems installation, demand for skilled people is expected to continue to grow — creating further opportunities for apprentices and early career professionals across the supply chain.  

Mark Wild, Chief Executive at HS2 Ltd, said: “Hitting this apprenticeship milestone is a major moment for the project and a testament to the commitment of partners including Balfour Beatty to developing future talent. 

Upskilling young people and those who have been out of work delivers real, lasting benefits for communities and the wider economy. Together, we’re building a pipeline of skills that will support the UK’s growth for generations to come.” 

The milestone comes ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, when Balfour Beatty and its partners will continue to promote new apprenticeship opportunities, reinforcing the role of infrastructure investment in tackling skills shortages and supporting social mobility. 

ENDS 

All non-media related enquiries should be directed to +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or info@balfourbeatty.com 

Notes to editors: 

• Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group with over 27,000 employees driving the delivery of powerful new solutions, shaping thinking, creating skylines and inspiring a new generation of talent to be the change-makers of tomorrow. 
• We finance, develop, build, maintain and operate the increasingly complex and critical infrastructure that supports national economies and deliver projects at the heart of local communities. 
• Over the last 116 years we have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world. Currently, we are working to deliver Hinkley Point C, the first UK nuclear power station in a generation; constructing the world-class arts and cultural facility, the Lyric Theatre, in Hong Kong; and designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the Automated People Mover superstructure at one of the busiest airports in the world, Los Angeles International Airport.