HS2 college expected to open on time following agreement on funding

The first students will join the College when it opens its doors on the Lakeside campus in September 2017.

The opening date had been called into question as the Government delayed confirming its contribution to the cost.

But a funding agreement was included in the Government’s recent Spending Review removing the last major obstacle.

Ministers proposed the creation of a high speed rail college to ensure there will be enough engineers to build the proposed HS2 line.

Doncaster and Birmingham won the competition to host the college.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Confirmation of government funding for the National College for High Speed Rail is excellent news – not just for HS2 and the rail industry, but also for the young people who will benefit from the skills and training they will receive in order to deliver this vital, world-class railway.

“The college is a key part of the government’s commitment to address the gap in essential skills needed by employers.”

Last week, planning permission was granted for the Doncaster campus and construction will start next year.

Doncaster executive mayor Ros Jones said: “The college will have a transformational impact on our booming rail sector.

“It will provide our existing rail firms with the opportunities to flourish, encourage new companies to locate in the area and importantly deliver more high quality, well-paid jobs for local people to tap into.”