A total of 10 trainee archaeologists are helping support the national HS2 project, only a year after joining the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) Construction Gateway programme.

After completing a initial six-week training programme from BMet College, many of the trainees moved onto direct employment from archaeology and built-heritage specialists, MOLA Headland. They are currently working alongside HS2's enabling works contractor LM at the site of Birmingham's brand new high speed rail terminus station.

Kate Myers, HS2 Ltd's Head of Skills, Employment and Education, said: "Not only is HS2 driving business growth and creating jobs right across the country, it is playing a crucial role in upskilling the nation and supporting people into meaningful employment.

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"Even at this early stage in the programme, we're expanding the breadth of people working in a diverse range of transport and infrastructure-related roles and creating a talented and highly skilled workforce for the future."

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, who leads the WMCA, commented: "Our construction sector is booming in the region, and the WMCA's Construction Gateway programme is making fantastic progress in helping people find rewarding jobs in this growing industry.

"The archaeological dig at HS2's site in Birmingham presented a fantastic opportunity for unemployed local people to find an interesting way into work – and we were delighted to help fund the training necessary to kick-start their careers. Congratulations to all the trainees who have gained work through this project."

Aged between 18 and 58, the trainees include a mum of two from Washwood Heath, a teenager with Asperger Syndrome and a 58-year-old who was out of work for several years.

Claire Brough, Skills, Employment and Education Lead at LM, added: "With a series of sites for HS2 in the heart of Birmingham, LM has been keen to work with regional bodies such as BMet and West Midlands Combined Authority to create employment opportunities. I'm proud of the role that we have played in giving these trainees a stepping stone into the world of archaeology on such a landmark project. This is one of the most exciting projects in a generation, and the skills they'll learn will hopefully set them on the route to a rosy future."  

(CM/JG)