Quotes

Here is a selection of quotes about Crossrail from a range of public figures:

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson (July 2010)

"We want Londoners to benefit from this project in everyway and that means giving them the chance to learn the skills and benefit from the jobs created by the scheme. The skills strategy and various training and apprenticeship schemes will help us give young inhabitants of this great city the chance to build and benefit from Crossrail as a lasting legacy."

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers (July 2010)

"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. A new national tunnelling and underground construction academy and major apprentice scheme will help workers develop useful skills for future employment in the industry. Crossrail will be more than a world-class railway - for tens of thousands of people it could be the route to a successful career."

Terry Morgan, Crossrail Chairman (July 2010)

"Two years ago today the Crossrail Act received Royal Assent. Since then we have made enormous progress towards full construction of the railway and today is about finding the people to help us meet this challenge. Crossrail's Skills and Employment Strategy will be a benchmark for the project's commitment to providing the skills required to deliver Crossrail and future major construction projects. We are grateful to our Sponsors and industry partners, particularly Jobcentre Plus and the National Apprenticeship Service, for their support for the Strategy and look forward to working with them as we continue to build this great railway."

Simon Waugh, National Apprenticeship Service Chief Executive (July 2010)

"I am delighted that Crossrail has committed to delivering at least 400 Apprenticeships over its lifetime. There is evidence that Apprenticeships bring real value to both private and public sector organisations; significantly improving productivity, motivation, innovation and retention rates. Crossrail apprentices will therefore not only benefit London's economy, but also have the opportunity to contribute to a lasting legacy for the Capital".

Transport Secretary Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP (June 2010)

"We live in difficult economic times, but that does not mean that we should scrap big projects which would give the economy a vital boost in the future. But it does mean that we must ensure that every pound we invest is well spent. I am determined that this scheme remains affordable - Londoners, business and the taxpayer would expect nothing less."