Today, 15 new rail apprentices were welcomed as part of a pioneering apprenticeship programme in York.
PlanBEE Rail is a pioneering apprenticeship to address skills shortages and give young people the chance to launch their careers in the rail industry. Network Rail and their supply chain partners have joined forces with NSAR (the National Skills Academy for Rail) and Gateshead College on the bespoke apprenticeship programme that aims to develop a new generation of multidisciplinary project managers, specifically trained to meet the changing needs of the rail sector.
During the two-year programme, the apprentices will be employed by NSAR and undertake four six-month placements working for leading organisations in the rail sector including Alstom, AmcoGiffen, Amey, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Keltbray, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Murphy, Network Rail, SYSTRA, Transpennine Express and Volker Rail. Through exposure to different employers and projects, the apprentices will develop a wide range of industry knowledge and skills.
Today, the 15 new apprentices will be welcomed to the programme with an address from Rachael Maskell, Member of Parliament for York Central. Over the next two weeks, the apprentices will take part in an induction to learn more about the rail industry, their employer and the host organisations they will be placed with. The apprentices will also undertake introductory health and safety training, go on site visits and get to know each other through social events.
Neil Robertson, NSAR Chief Executive, said: “Rail needs thousands more apprentices over the coming years to help meet skills shortages. NSAR is committed to supporting the industry achieve this. We are looking forward to working with Gateshead College, Network Rail and the supply chain partners over the next two years to deliver a unique and high-quality apprenticeship programme that sets up these 15 young people to succeed in their careers and in rail.”
David Alexander, Principal and Chief Executive at Gateshead College said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the new apprentices onto the PlanBEE Rail programme and we’re looking forward to seeing them develop the skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in the rail industry. Apprenticeships like PlanBEE Rail are vital to future proofing key industries and equipping workforces with the work ready skills they need to succeed.”
Pratisha Tailor, PlanBEE Rail Project Manager, said: “The 12 organisations that make up the PlanBEE rail Consortium are excited to be part of this collaborative initiative to bring much-needed new talent into the rail industry. We look forward to working together to deliver an interesting and valuable apprenticeship experience for these 15 young people.”