HS2’s latest reporting figures also show it has smashed the 900 new apprentice starts milestone, just 20 months since full construction works began on first phase of the project.

HS2 is well on track to reach its target of 2,000 apprenticeships with 923 apprentices having now benefitted from investment in their career development, as the project strives to create a talent pool that will drive forward the UK’s major infrastructure projects of the future and leave a lasting skills legacy.

Civils construction works are underway at over 300 sites between the West Midlands and London with the Bill submitted to Parliament to extend the high speed network north to Manchester.

Mark Thurston, CEO at HS2 Ltd said: “2022 is shaping up to be a huge year for HS2. Our expanding workforce reflects the scale of progress we are making.

“With all three phases of the project now in progress, and two decades of construction work still ahead of us, the scale of opportunity for individuals and businesses on HS2 right across the UK continues to grow at pace.”

HS2’s supply chain saw continued growth, with 76 new UK businesses securing contract awards, taking the total number of unique UK businesses engaged in the supply chain to 2,515.

Small and medium sized companies, seeking stability and new work opportunities following the challenges of pandemic, were also among those to benefit, with 61% of the supply chain now represented by SMEs.