HS2 minister inspects region’s preparations
The HS2 minister Nusrat Ghani met with apprentices and businesses across the Midlands to see how the region is preparing for the arrival of HS2.
She also spoke to young engineers at Rolls Royce’s Apprentice Academy in Derby, discussing how HS2 will bring businesses, skilled workers and major cities closer together.
With an additional 186,000 engineers needed every year until 2024 to fill all the engineering roles required by the UK, the minister encouraged the apprentices to be role models and help provide one million schoolchildren with an inspiring experience of engineering.
Ghani said: “HS2 is not only the future of our rail network, delivering faster journeys for more passengers and improving connections between some our country’s biggest cities, but is essential for driving forward economic growth and developing the next generation of engineers.
“I also enjoyed meeting with a diverse range of businesses to discuss their vision and how HS2 can help unlock the extraordinary economic potential of the Midlands engine, driving forward jobs, productivity and growth.”
On her visit to the region, Ghani also went to the National College for High Speed Rail and to Curzon Street station, the planned site of the HS2 station in Birmingham city centre.
