HS2 scrapping a 'kick in the teeth' for Wolverhampton apprentices

The scrapping of the northern end of HS2 is a "kick in the teeth", according to apprentices training to work in the railway sector.

The prime minister confirmed this month extending the line from Birmingham to Manchester would not go ahead.

City of Wolverhampton College students said there was uncertainty about what that meant for them.

Almost 10,000 people are working on the HS2 project in the Midlands alone and 30,000 across the country.

Matthew Wright of National Infrastructure Solutions, which provides training in railway construction, said the government's decision had prompted a "re-evaluation" of workers' future.

He and the students are calling for more clarity over not just HS2 but other proposed transport projects.

"It was very disappointing," Mr Wright said of the HS2 announcement.

"I think that initial 24 to 48 hours was one of disappointment, upset, taking a re-evaluation of what that does."

He added: "Here in the Midlands, we are still going to complete the Birmingham to London leg."

Apprentice Zahid Stevens said, however, the loss of the northern leg was "a bit of a kick in the teeth".

He said the goal to which he was working was "sort of fading away".

He added: "I can't imagine a time where we don't use trains, so I'm hoping that some of the money they are saving gets put into other infrastructure projects that I may be able to work on in the future."

After scrapping the HS2 plans, the prime minister has pledged to reallocate £36bn into alternative transport projects.

The Network North report has set out investment plans, including the A50/500 corridor between Stoke and Derby.

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