HS2 put hopes on bootcamp to boost local jobs

Fatima's laugh and enthusiasm are infectious - she clearly loves what she is doing. At the moment she is driving a dumper truck around a muddy site just off Hampstead Road.

Fatima is one the first graduates of a HS2 bootcamp, a two-week scheme which she says has enabled her to fulfil her dream of working in the construction industry.

"I was trying everything to get into the industry, It's just something I've always wanted to do," she said.

"I wasn't really going anywhere but I found out about the Euston Skills Centre and the HS2 project and within those 10 days, I was able to accomplish my credentials in the roller and the dumper and it has been an upward trajectory from there.

"It has transformed my life. I am still in awe - it has been a dream come true, life-changing."

Unwittingly, Fatmia is also showing a different side of this most controversial high-speed rail project, HS2, and perhaps a little shift in the narrative.

The bootcamp may seem small at the moment, but it is free and aims to get 30 residents through the scheme.

Crucially, it shows the potential in terms of jobs for local people on this scheme.

Now, Fatima is a trainee site manager.

"You're literally looking at a product of corporate social responsibility," she said.

Euston has been blighted by HS2 for seven years and mired in delays. Hundreds of homes and businesses were demolished and green spaces were lost.

The previous government paused the project, but now, following the election, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed HS2 will come to Euston.

HS2 was originally meant to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, but now the plan is for it to link the capital with Birmingham.

Many in Euston are fed up with the disruption and despite the change in policy, there is still a lack of detail - even the number of platforms for the new station remains uncertain.

The local council, Camden, was initially against the project but is now pragmatic - they want to make sure there are affordable homes and jobs for local people.

Its leader, Richard Olszewski, said: "I'm pleased the bootcamp is giving an opportunity for local people to access some of the skilled construction jobs that are going to come with the project.

"In terms of the project overall, we continue to make the case for the benefits for Camden for it coming here.

"We now have a degree of certainty. We know that HS2 will come to Euston and we need to make sure people in Camden can access the jobs that will come with it. The project will also bring thousands of new homes which we need to ensure benefit people locally."

The programme is free to Camden residents over the age of 19 and is designed to support those who are either currently out of work or are seeking a career change to gain new skills.

Recent graduate Beatrice Adegbola says the bootcamp has given her confidence.

"I know I can do things that I didn't think I could do. I know I'm going places now in the construction industry," she said.

Ambrose Quashie from HS2 says as well as the bootcamp, there are about 2,000 apprentices across the project.

"It's not just about the foot in the door, it's about making sure these people have a good career in this industry," he said.

"Our role is how we connect local people to all the job opportunities."

Fatima is very upbeat about HS2.

"Now we have 140 miles of new train track, and thousands and thousands of homes, even more jobs are going to here so more opportunities.

"There is always a good and a bad, but overall this project will change a lot of people's lives - and people will be able to come from Birmingham to London in 49 minutes!"

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