SOLIHULL resident, Danielle Taylor has been named as the 650th apprentice to play a part in the delivery of the HS2 railway.
Inspired by her Grandad’s career as a plant operative, Danielle’s dream to follow in his footsteps came true when she secured a Level 2 plant operator apprenticeship with Flannery, a tier one contractor with HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands Balfour Beatty VINCI.
She is currently working at a construction site in Warwickshire with a team tasked with excavating materials and creating the embankments that will shape the foundations for the new high speed rail network.
It’s a far cry from her previous role, where she worked in Birmingham city centre as a banking audit officer, but 29-year-old Danielle wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This couldn’t be more different to my previous role, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’ve achieved my dream,” she said.
“On my D5 Dozer, I’m literally shaping the landscape and paving the way for HS2’s arrival and it’s exhilarating to see the progress we’re making every single day.”
Over the next two years, Danielle will combine work and study to learn how to safely operate a broad range of plant machinery that is used in the onsite construction sector.
Once qualified, she will be equipped with the skills and experience that will enable her to continue playing a key role in the delivery of HS2 and other major infrastructure projects of the future.
Julie Venn-Morton HS2’s Skills Manager for the West Midlands said: “Danielle is a fantastic role model for young women and it just goes to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and pursue your career goals.
“We have committed to creating 2,000 apprenticeships, all of which provide the opportunity to develop skills for life that will support a long and meaningful career in the rail and construction sector. I actively encourage more women to come forward and apply for a job with us.”
