Following the success of the pilot, applications have opened for a second cohort of apprentices to join the innovative PlanBEE Rail programme established by Network Rail and its supply chain partners.
In support of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, PlanBEE Rail is launching a second cohort of its apprenticeship programme, enabling people across Yorkshire to build the skills they need to succeed in a project management career in rail.
PlanBEE Rail is a pioneering apprenticeship to help 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 Gateshead College and NSAR (the National Skills Academy for Rail) on the bespoke apprenticeship programme that aims to develop a new generation of project managers, specifically trained to meet the changing needs of the rail sector.
The first PlanBEE Rail apprentices started in September 2024, based in York and the surrounding area. They are gaining experience working on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme (TRU), the East Coast Digital Railway programme and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Leah Allen, a current PlanBEE Rail apprentice, said about the programme: “The opportunity to gain hands on experience whilst working towards a recognised qualification really attracted me to this scheme. My favourite aspect of the apprenticeship so far has been the constant opportunities to meet and connect with a range of incredible people within the industry.”
Following the success of this pilot, a second group of apprentices will join the PlanBEE Rail programme from September 2025. Placements will again be based across Yorkshire, with primary locations being Leeds, Huddersfield and York. Applications for the second cohort open today, 10 February, to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.
During the two-year programme, apprentices will undertake four six-month placements working for leading employers, including Alstom, AmcoGiffen, Amey, Aureos, Balfour Beatty, BAM, the Department for Transport, Jacobs, Morgan Sindall, Murphy, Network Rail, Systra, TransPennine Express and Volker Rail. Through exposure to different employers and projects, they will develop a wide range of industry knowledge and skills.
Gordon Kells, Interim Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “TRU is proud to support and endorse the PlanBEE Rail programme as a founding partner. We have a number of apprentices currently delivering great work across the route, and we look forward to continuing to develop early talent across the programme into 2025 and beyond. Their hands-on experience and dedication are shaping the future of transportation in the north and also laying the foundations for their own successful careers ahead.”
Chris Toon, Gateshead College Deputy Principal said: “We’re thrilled to be opening applications for the second cohort of PlanBEE Rail apprentices and that the pilot is proving so successful. The first apprentices are excelling on the programme and I’m confident they’ll have successful careers in the rail industry.”
Neil Robertson, NSAR Chief Executive, said: “It has been fantastic working with Network Rail, Gateshead College and the supply chain partners to get the first cohort of 15 apprentices started in a rewarding and in-demand career. We are excited to welcome the next group of apprentices, all of whom will play a role in helping rail address its skills shortages.”