At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in project controls while learning from industry experts.
- Company: Join HS2, the UK's new high-speed rail network, and be part of a transformative project.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive support for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunities available in London and Birmingham with regular travel along the HS2 route.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transport while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 minimum, including English and Maths.
HS2’s apprenticeship programmes are designed to combine hands-on practical learning with structured technical development through selected training providers. Apprentices will learn directly from industry experts, gaining real-world experience while applying their knowledge in the workplace. Throughout the apprenticeship programme at HS2, apprentices also benefit from additional development opportunities, including a core skill development pathway and an extensive support network, enabling professional growth and building the confidence needed to succeed.
As a Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprentice at HS2, you will learn about project life cycles and develop the skills and knowledge required to understand and apply the terms and processes relating to project controls including planning, scheduling, risk, estimating, and cost engineering to support the delivery of the HS2 programme. The Apprenticeship Programme involves hands-on experience working across the project controls teams within the business whilst studying for the apprenticeship. There are three Level 3 Project Controls Technician apprenticeship roles available this year — one based in London and two in Birmingham. All positions will involve regular travel to various site locations along the HS2 route.
Successful Apprentices will join the HS2 programme in September 2026 for an induction and to meet their fellow early careers cohort. They will then undertake a range of placements across relevant teams to ensure they are able to meet the requirements of their apprenticeship standard, whilst gaining hands-on experience in the workplace, providing them with the skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in their chosen discipline area.
Programme Controls
At HS2 Ltd, Programme Controls plays a key role in setting standards and establishing integrated controls to provide clear and consistent views of project progress. These controls ensure timely, informed decision making and provide confidence that projects are being managed on time, within scope and budget.
What You’ll Do
- Support project controls activities to monitor cost, schedule, risk and performance across the programme.
- Collate, review and maintain data to assist with tracking progress, costs, and performance against agreed baselines and milestones.
- Support with the preparation of project reports, dashboards and performance updates for senior stakeholders.
- Assist with identification, assessment and mitigation of risks, helping to maintain risk registers.
- Help manage changes to the programme’s scope ensuring that any changes are documented, assessed for impact and approved according to change management processes.
- Support effective communication between project teams, programme managers and stakeholders, ensuring that key information is shared and understood.
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
Expectations
- Attendance and engagement at apprenticeship training with apprenticeship provider.
- Attendance and engagement at core skills workshops and development sessions.
- Complete all work on time and to required standards.
- Complete all required off-the-job training, assessments and professional development in line with the level 3 apprenticeship standard.
- Complete the Level 3 Project Controls Technician apprenticeship programme within the defined timeframe.
Skills
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders at various levels within an organisation.
- Collaborative Working: The ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes.
- Interpersonal and relationship skills: The ability to build good working relationships with internal and external colleagues and contacts.
- Prioritisation Skills: The ability to organise workloads and deliver activities/projects in a timely manner, ensuring quality outputs.
- Ability to follow process: working to a process to achieve an outcome and/or identify improvements to existing processes.
- Analytical skills: Ability to access, analyse and maintain information from multiple IT databases and systems, including report writing.
Knowledge
- IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent.
Type Of Experience
To join us on an Apprenticeship Programme, you’ll need to have achieved or expect to achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 4 minimum, including English and Maths, or equivalent.
Behavioural Competencies
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2 company values.
Our Apprenticeship Programme Salaries
Salaries are currently pending pay review; however, please see the figures below based on 2025 year one apprentice salaries:
- London locations (inside M25): Level 3/Year 1 – basic salary of £21,122 plus 10% flexible allowance = £23,234.
- Non-London Locations: Level 3/Year 1 – basic salary of £19,740 plus 10% flexible allowance = £21,687.
Does HS2 offer sponsorship if I do not have the Right to Work in the UK?
To be eligible to apply for HS2’s 2026 Apprenticeship programmes, all applicants will need to already hold the ongoing Right to Work in the UK, that is not timebound in any way. Please note, unfortunately due to the 2-year time-bound restrictions of the Post Study Work visa, we are unable to accept any applicants who have this visa as the apprenticeship programme exceeds this timeframe. Due to the nature of the organisation, HS2 are not able to sponsor any applications for sponsorship as we do not hold the required sponsorship license from the UK Home Office and candidates are not allowed to sponsor themselves.
We appreciate the Right to Work question can be complex to understand, so if you are unsure of your Right to Work status in the UK, please email us at HS2Jobs@hs2.org.uk and we will be happy to advise further. Please note, to enable HS2 to comply with UK Home Office policy, your Right to Work status will be checked early in the recruitment process.
About Us
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high-speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.
Apprentice - Project Controls employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a unique apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with structured technical training, ensuring apprentices gain invaluable skills and knowledge in project controls. With a strong commitment to professional growth, a supportive work culture, and a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, HS2 provides a dynamic environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the UK's transformative high-speed rail network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Project Controls
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past apprentices at HS2 on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up when it comes to understanding the culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to project controls. Think about how your skills align with what HS2 is looking for. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! During interviews, express why you're excited about the apprenticeship and how you see yourself contributing to HS2's mission. Passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities directly from HS2, making it easier for you to stay in the loop.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Project Controls
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Project Controls role. We want to see your passion for project management and how you can contribute to HS2's goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your communication, analytical, and collaborative skills through specific examples. We love seeing how you’ve worked in teams or tackled challenges in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of project controls, including planning, scheduling, and risk management. Familiarise yourself with HS2’s projects and their significance in the UK’s transport infrastructure. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. Think of situations where you've worked in a team or solved a problem effectively. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the apprenticeship programme or the company culture at HS2. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. HS2 values diversity and inclusion, so being authentic can help you connect with your interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
