HS2's local construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI, has teamed up with Warwickshire College Group to expand its free job-ready training programmes.

The Academy focuses on 'upskilling' those who are out of work, or looking for a new career.

And in just six weeks, trainees can progress onto a paid work trial supporting HS2's construction.

WCG is one of six local further education colleges to join forces with HS2, with 600 new recruits to be trained across the centres.

In total, BBV says it will support around 7,000 jobs through its programme of work on HS2, claiming that over 400 people who were out of work in the West Midlands have now progressed into jobs on HS2.

Courses at Warwickshire College Group will be funded via the Government's Strategic Development Fund.

Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG said: "This partnership provides a unique opportunity for Warwickshire College Group, HS2 and for people across Warwickshire seeking to retrain. 

"The Skills Accelerator Programme funding we have received from the government's Strategic Development Fund has enabled us to develop and deliver fantastic training resources and the qualifications which our local communities need, to be able to work on the HS2 project and with Balfour Beatty VINCI". 

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HS2 has recently revealed plans to expand into a 30 hectare compound on Stoneleigh Road.