Global Training Provider, Skills4Stem, provides apprentices for Align JV

Global training provider, Skills4Stem, has provided a number of apprentices for Align JV to work on the HS2 project, due for completion between 2028 and 2033.

Align is a joint venture of three international infrastructure companies comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine, who are delivering the Central 1 (C1) portion of HS2 phase 1, the new high-speed line between London and the West Midlands.

A £167 million contract was recently awarded to KVJV, (a joint venture between KELLER UK and VSL International) by Align JV to deliver geotechnical work as part of the C1 package.

At the peak of production, the project will require 270 highly skilled people from KVJV working on site, drawing on their expertise in ground engineering and foundations (diaphragm walls, grouting, piling).

In October 2020, Skills4Stem delivered apprenticeship training to eight civil engineer apprentices, all of whom were chosen by Align JV for assistance with the HS2 project, and indeed, Keller have also now turned to Skills4Stem for the same.

“We are delighted to be able to work with Align JV and have been able to deliver apprentices not just to them, but also their supply chain,” explains Skills4Stem CEO, Sarah Davis. “By offering apprentices a level of customisation, we are able to provide an alternative to a college education.”

“Some of the apprentices we received from Skills4Stem were recent school leavers, between the ages of 16 and 25, and we were keen to link with local schools and the community to provide this opportunity,” says Steven Roberts, Learning and Development Advisor from Align JV.

“They are able to partake in various parts of the project, for example, some are currently situated in the technical department with a focus on design, others are more site-based, so they are being exposed to a good mix of functions. This has provided them with a well-rounded view on the project and flexibility exists for shadowing other departments. One of the benefits of this type of apprenticeship from Skills4Stem is that the apprentices can enrol at any point without the restrictions of the academic year; this has significantly helped with our placement requirements. The organisation provides a valuable service, tailored to each individual apprentice, and feedback has been fantastic. In fact, many have achieved distinctions on their first assignment.”

For further information on apprenticeships with Skills4Stem, please visit: https://skills4stem.com/apprenticeships