Building the Future with HS2: Helping Young People Discover Opportunities in Infrastructure with EKFB

Introducing the Next Generation to Careers in Construction

Behind every major infrastructure project are thousands of people working across a wide range of roles and departments to bring it to life and sustain it. That's why giving young people meaningful insights into careers is essential – to help them discover opportunities and make informed decisions about their future, while nurturing the future talent industries rely on.

“It’s important for young people to have meaningful experiences of the workplace to help them to understand what’s out there... They can’t do that just by sitting in a classroom. The best way to inspire young people is to immerse them in what you do… We need to be attracting more people into the industry, more young and diverse people, and inviting young people through the doors and demystifying the sector is the way to do that.”

Becky Rowley, Skills, Employment & Education Advisor, EKFB

Over 2 weeks in July 2026, EKFB hosted in-person work experience in construction and infrastructure for 58 Year 11-13 students from 37 schools across Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire. The programme immersed young people in the world of HS2, one of the UK’s most ambitious railway projects delivered by 4 leading construction companies – Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, Bam (EKFB). With work underway on an epic 80km stretch between Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire, students had a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insight into the project, as well as a deeper understanding of careers in the sector and the breadth of STEM roles available.

Inside the Work Experience

The programme was delivered twice to support smaller student groups, with each cohort taking part in two in-person days and remote sessions online. This hybrid approach gave young people first-hand experience of flexible, modern-day working and a chance to learn about the construction industry from a wider range of professionals.

In-person days at the A422, A41 and Chipping Warden provided opportunities to visit and explore infrastructure and real, working construction sites, including the green tunnel, mega earthworks, Thame Valley Viaduct and additional construction works nearby. Young people also engaged in hands-on STEM challenges that explored real-world engineering problems. This culminated in a final project to design a major railway in small teams, which students then presented to EKFB.

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These activities helped students gain practical experience of the construction and infrastructure industry as well as essential employability skills, such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving – and a new-found confidence in their abilities. EKFB experts also supported students prepare for careers in the sector through CV and skills workshops, as well as graduate and apprentice panels.

Student Feedback

Participants rated the work experience as 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 86% feeling confident that they could achieve their career ambitions following the placement. Feedback highlighted how the work experience helped students take their first steps towards their career journeys.

“I enjoyed talking to the different engineers about their jobs and how they got there. I also enjoyed learning how the skills we learned in school can be translated and applied to a work environment.”

Student

“The best thing about the placement was learning more about the different careers within EKFB.”

Student

“The site tour was really enjoyable as it displayed the different jobs involved on the project. I also enjoyed the team project we worked on as I was able to build upon my communication and interpersonal skills.”

Student

Employer Insights

“Participating students should be incredibly proud of what they achieved… Despite the complexity of the [final] challenge and the limited time available, the students quickly built strong working relationships, collaborated effectively online, and produced thoughtful, well-structured plans… The speed at which the students adapted, learned new concepts and delivered their solutions was remarkable. It was a demanding task, but they approached it with enthusiasm, professionalism and creativity, showcasing the talent and potential of the next generation. Their achievements are a fantastic example of what can be accomplished when young people are given the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges.”

Wesley Crompton, Senior Project Manager

“It’s incredibly rewarding watching the young people grow in knowledge, skills and confidence across the week. As an employer these young people are our potential talent pipeline and it’s our responsibility to inspire them. You might be looking at your next apprentice, graduate or Managing Director... I’m sure we’ve inspired the next generation by giving the students the opportunity to learn more about what, and who it takes, to build the UK’s infrastructure. This programme has also given EKFB the opportunity to nurture a new partnership with Futures for All and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Becky Rowley, Skills, Employment & Education Advisor

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