Edinburgh's tram builders launch recruitment drive

Published on Tuesday 2 September 2008 21:27

BILFINGER Berger, the German-owned firm leading the construction phase of the Edinburgh trams project, has embarked on a recruitment drive in the Scottish capital.

The group is looking to add 50 posts to the 70-strong team which is already employed on the 500 million contract.

A consortium involving Bilfinger Berger and German peer Siemens was earlier this year awarded the contract to construct the core section of the 18.5km tram line from Leith waterfront to Edinburgh airport.

In addition to the track itself, phase one of the contract includes the construction of 11 bridges, nine sub-stations, 22 tram stops, a tram maintenance depot and 27 trams.

The new positions will be spread across a range of construction and civil engineering disciplines. They will include site engineers, general foremen, quantity surveyors and an environmental adviser.

Richard Walker, managing director of Bilfinger Berger UK, said: "The Edinburgh tram project is one of the most exciting and challenging infrastructure developments currently happening anywhere in the UK.

"We already have an excellent team in place in Edinburgh and, with the construction phase of the project gathering momentum, we are now in a position to ramp up our recruitment."

He added: "This project will deliver the world-class tram system which Scotland's capital deserves and we're delighted that we are able to support the local economy by boosting employment in the city."