HS2 apprentices awarded four-year job contract 

Two standout HS2 apprentices have received a four-year extension to their employment contracts with Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra (BBVS).

Tyler Pearce-Scott and Charlotte Thomas, both from Ealing in London, successfully completed their two-year apprenticeships working on the Old Oak Common Station scheme.

Thomas joined BBVS to study a Level 4 civil engineering apprenticeship and, since joining the company, she has played a supporting role in the design and construction of the 850m-long station box. 

As well as the offer of a four-year contract, her BEng in civil engineering will be fully funded. 

Thomas said: “My HS2 journey began at my local high school in Ealing. An initial conversation with HS2’s skills and employment team led to me securing a work experience placement, and when the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship came along, I didn’t hesitate to go for it.

“It’s important to seize opportunities that come your way – you don’t realise your own potential until you try something new. That would certainly be my advice to others. I would have never imagined that I’d progress to studying civil engineering at the University of Exeter.”

Pearce-Scott was studying for a Level 3 information communication technician apprenticeship. He will now progress onto a Level 6 digital and technology solutions apprenticeship, enabling him to study for a BSc in digital technology solutions at the University of Roehampton.

Pearce-Scott said: “I was studying for my A-Levels and realised part way through that it just wasn’t for me. I wanted a career in IT, but at as teenager, it was hard to find a way in. Securing an apprenticeship on such a huge project has opened a whole new world for me.

“The sheer scale of the Old Oak Common site is beyond belief – from one week to the next it looks different. I’ve been incredibly lucky to play a role in setting up and maintaining our IT systems and networks across the site. With advances in technology, there’s always a new challenge ahead, which is great.”