HS2's construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), is offering the chance to trial a new career working on the giant tunnelling machines that will dig beneath Warwickshire.

The 20-day career trial, delivered in conjunction with Tunnelcraft, will give workers the chance to work with 'Dorothy' the 2,000-tonne machine that will dig the tunnels in Long Itchington.

The machine was named after Dorothy Hodgkin, first British female Nobel Prize winner in chemistry following a public vote.

Almost 25,000 people are now playing their part in HS2's construction and the employment boost is expected to continue into the next decade, and beyond, as work on future phases of the project to Crewe, Manchester and the East Midlands get underway.

It is expected to finish its first bore later this summer with candidates on the 20-day programme working alongside BBV's team of experts leading the second phase of the dig.

Julie Venn-Morton, HS2's skills manager for the region said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people who are out of work, or looking for a new start, to develop the skills they need to begin building a career in the construction sector."

"We need thousands of highly skilled workers to support HS2's construction and this placement programme could well lead to a long-term career on this transformational project."

The paid work trial is open to candidates aged 18 or over.

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During the placement, trainees will develop an understanding of all aspects of delivering complex tunnelling programmes, from the work that takes place in the pit top, the slurry treatment plant and the mechanical and electrical works required.

Shilpi Akbar, head of stakeholders and communities at BBV added: "This work trial is the latest in a long line of opportunities we're creating for people across the region, who want to expand their skills and experiences.

"It's not every day that you get the chance to work on such an exciting and complex tunnelling project, so I'd encourage people who are interested to get in touch straight away."

For more information about the tunnelling placement programme, or to register your interest, contact Balfour Beatty VINCI's Skills, Employment and Education team at [email protected]