LEP makes case for HS2 college

CHAIR of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Roger Marsh, will today meet with regional businesses and rail industry supply chain employers to make the case for locating a new HS2 college in the Leeds City Region.

The proposed college will concentrate on delivering the high level skills needed for high speed rail and other major engineering projects of the future, including HS2. The consultation is not just focused on the location of the site but will highlight the UK’s skills needs relating to the design, construction and operation of HS2.

A number of “ unique” qualities in the region would enhance the proposed college according to the LEP. These include a strong railway heritage throughout the region, namely the National Railway Museum and the Network Rail Signalling and training centre in York Central; specialist rail expertise at the Universities of Huddersfield and York; Leeds College of Building is the only specialist construction college in the UK and has excellent links with civil engineering contractors; and the region has many rail, civil engineering and design engineering businesses who would want to be involved in HS2 and support young people to have the right talent to benefit from the opportunities ahead.

According to the LEP, Leeds City Region has more people employed in rail-related industries than anywhere else in the North. The LEP said it is keen to use this event to secure the support of key companies and their supply chains.

Roger Marsh said:“We are committed to optimising the potential that HS2 can offer the Leeds City Region and this goes much further than just the enhanced transport links. We already have a well established skills network across the region, and it is vital that all partners, both public and private sector, join forces to champion the potential of the region.”