HS2 Aims To Inspire Young Designers Of The Future
Budding young engineers and designers will this week visit Birmingham where they can gain an understanding of the detailed design that underpins HS2.
Tens of thousands of young people will visit the Skills Show 2014 at NEC Birmingham, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November.
Representatives from HS2 Ltd will be on hand to offer an insight into how important great design will be to the delivery of Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
An interactive exhibition stand and a series of education zones will get youngsters’ creative juices flowing and inspire them to consider what they would come up with if they were behind the design of HS2. The zones include:
– An interactive quiz that identifies what type of architect they are;
– A model wind tunnel that demonstrates the aerodynamics of high speed trains;
– A chance to discover the realm of urban planning;
– An interactive game involving speed, accuracy and flair.
Visitors will also have the chance to use green screen technology to picture their future in design.
As well as skilling the next generation of the country’s engineers, HS2 will create new employment in an array of fields, many of which relate to the design of the project, whether it be the stations themselves or the line’s tunnels and bridges.
Beth West, HS2 Commercial Director said:
“It is fantastic that for the second year running, HS2 will be at the Skills Show. HS2 represents a once in a lifetime opportunity and young people are at the very heart of our commitment to creating new jobs and developing a tangible skills legacy for the UK.
“Design is not only an important element of HS2 but is one of the most exciting. We want to create an iconic and pioneering railway that will be revered in centuries to come. There are many careers that relate to design and we want to spark the imaginations of HS2’s young future designers and engineers.
“Through engaging with young people early on in their careers we have the chance to encourage young women and men from a diverse range of backgrounds and to speak to them about the variety of career opportunities that HS2 will bring.”
HS2 Senior Route Engineer, Amanda White said:
“As engineers we design and build a range of projects answering the needs of people and the environment. The solutions we create are sometimes spectacular and sometimes cleverly simple – often they are both.
“The best part of my job is the variety it brings. Working on HS2 gives me the opportunity to work on the latest engineering designs and most exciting of all helping to shape a brand new railway fit for the 21st century.”
Around 25,000 people will be employed during the construction of HS2, which will create up to 2,000 apprenticeships and support economic growth that could support as many as 400,000 new jobs.
In September, the Government announced that Birmingham would be the home of the new National College of High Speed Rail- the first specialist national college in the country. As well as headquarters in Birmingham, it will also have a site in Doncaster.
Apprenticeships, internships, schools engagement and other initiatives are already part of HS2 Ltd’s broader educational strategy that seeks to inspire a diverse group of talented young people into a career in engineering, construction and other disciplines.
Please come and visit HS2’s Design Studio in the dedicated engineering and design area in Hall 3 of the NEC.
