THE launch of HS2’s giant tunnel boring machine, which set off on its five-mile journey from West Ruislip to Greenford this month, has sparked new training and employment opportunities.

HS2’s construction partner, Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS), is offering a bespoke training and work placement programme for people in Ealing, Hillingdon and five other neighbouring boroughs.

The three-week programme at West London College will be followed by a four-week paid placement, to enable candidates to get a feel for what it’s like to work in construction. 

SCS will eventually launch five more tunnel boring machines, creating a total of 26 miles of tunnel beneath the capital.

They will transport HS2’s bullet-style trains into the terminus at Euston.