Up to 14,000 people will be employed on Crossrail during the peak construction period between 2013 and 2015, according to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers, speaking at the launch of the railway's Skills and Employment Strategy.
Crossrail has announced a partnership with Jobcentre Plus which aims to provide local people with opportunities to work on the project.
Villiers said: "By 2026, Crossrail is expected to support the creation of around 30,000 jobs in central London, and up to 14,000 people will be employed at the height of construction.”
Crossrail is creating a new national tunnelling and underground construction academy and major apprentice scheme will help workers develop skills for future employment in the industry.
It has committed to delivering at least 400 Apprenticeships through its supply chain over the lifetime of the project. All main works contractors will be obliged to deliver one apprentice (or equivalent) per £3m spend. Apprenticeships will be offered from late 2010 as contracts are awarded.
£5m in funding will be provided for the Academy by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) via the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). The new facility, scheduled to open in summer 2011, will ensure that all people working underground on Crossrail sites achieve the Underground Safety Passport.
Crossrail is also launching a dedicated website for its 'Young Crossrail' education programme, which works with all schools within a one mile radius of the Crossrail route, plus further education colleges in London, to inspire young people to consider careers in the fields of construction and engineering.
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