Charlotte Thomas and Tyler Pearce-Scott have now completed their two-year apprenticeships with HS2 construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI Systra (BBVS).

Both impressed the company over the two years and became valuable assets.

Charlotte joined BBVS to study a Level 4 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship and worked in support of the design and construction of the 850-metre-long station box.

Charlotte has now been offered a four-year contract and a fully funded BEng Civil Engineering Degree.

Tyler also showed incredible promise when he joined to study a Level 3 Information Communication Technician Apprenticeship.

He demonstrated a high skill with technology and plenty of behind-the-scenes designs.

He will now be progressing onto a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship, which will allow him to study a BSc Digital Technology Solutions degree at the University of Roehampton.

They will both study alongside working with BBVS, providing them with further hands-on experience.

Another apprentice, Niamh Meehan, is also being recognised by HS2, who has gained the West London College Apprentice of the Year award. She has had a permanent role in BBVS since completing her CIPD qualification.

“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”

Charlotte, 21, from Ealing