HS2 has announced that it is to hire thirty new entrants to its graduate programme.

The high-speed rail project is looking for recruits who have degrees in various subjects. It aims to hire digital engineering graduates to join its teams to build stations, bridges, and viaducts.

It also aims to hire graduates to work in its environment, finance, project management, project controls, procurement, digital analytics, asset management and commercial teams.

The recruits will complete placements, spending six months in each of several different departments relevant to their specialist subject area. HS2 says that it has set up these graduate programmes to help the recruits develop a broad understanding of delivering a major infrastructure project.

It points out that around 31,000 people are now working on the delivery of HS2 and that 117 graduates have already benefitted from its graduate programme, working on projects such as Solihull’s Interchange Station and the new A46 underbridge. They have carried out work including planning geotechnical works and topographical surveys.

HS2 hires new apprentices and graduates each year. Previous entrants to the scheme have degrees in subjects such as Business, Branding and Marketing.

Applications opened today (Wednesday, 5 March) for HS2’s 2025 graduate programme. They will close on Sunday, 13 April 2025.

Successful applicants will begin their new roles in September 2025. They will be based at HS2’s offices and main sites in Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London.

HS2 has not revealed how much it will pay the recruits, but describes the starting salary as “competitive”. It also promises “access to a broad range of benefits”.

More information about the programme and how to apply for it are available on the HS2 website.

“I joined HS2’s graduate scheme in September 2023 and I couldn’t have wished for a more varied or exciting role. The development opportunities are brilliant, and it’s fascinating to learn how the pieces of the puzzle fit together to build and maintain a new railway of this scale.

“Without doubt, the best part of the role is the diverse range of people and industry professionals you get to meet. Knowledge-sharing is key, and I’ve learnt so much from the people that work here and have invested their time to support early career professionals.”

Kirsty O’Leary, 24, from Buckinghamshire, who joined HS2’s graduate programme after completing a degree at Nottingham Trent University

Graduate Project Manager, Noorjahan Pallikkandi Maliyekal, 39, from Southam said:

“Being part of the HS2 graduate scheme has been an incredible journey and from day one I’ve felt supported by my colleagues. The structured rotations and learning opportunities have helped me to develop my skills, and the support from my mentor and buddy has made a big difference, making it easier to step into such a fast-paced industry.

“One of the most exciting parts has been working with the Track project controls team and seeing the real impact of my work on this huge project. It’s amazing to be part of something so transformational, and I’d highly recommend the scheme to anyone looking to build a rewarding career.”