Ready to launch your career in the rail industry?

Join the PlanBEE Rail Higher Apprenticeship programme, built on collaboration with Network Rail and its supply chain partners.  This shared scheme provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project management, learning from experts across the industry and contributing to some of the UK’s most exciting and impactful projects.

Why Choose the PlanBEE Rail Higher Apprenticeship?

The PlanBEE Rail Higher Apprenticeship offers a two-year opportunity to work with top industry companies, providing valuable exposure to key projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).  As a founding partner, TRU currently is the largest investment in the conventional railway.  You can be part of this transformative, multi-billion-pound initiative that aims to improve rail connectivity in the North, delivering more frequent, reliable and environmentally friendly trains between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Placements & Programme Structure

Placements will be conducted throughout Yorkshire, with Leeds, Huddersfield and York as primary locations.  You will be required to travel as part of your role and need to be flexible to support this. Rotating placements are a key component of the scheme and a vital part of the learning experience. This is a mandatory aspect of the role and applicants should be comfortable with and committed to this requirement.

The programme structure includes four 6-month placements across different sponsor companies, combining work-based learning (four days a week on projects) with academic study (one day a week of classroom learning, case studies and site visits).  You will gain diverse experience across all project stages, from design and development to delivery and completion.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include collaborating with stakeholders to align project goals, writing project management or engineering plans, visiting sites to monitor progress and safety, and managing budgets, schedules and risks, to support successful project delivery.

Could this be your next step? 

We believe that diverse teams are stronger teams and were committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Approach challenges with a logical mindset and strong problem-solving skills
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Are proactive, motivated, and eager to contribute
• Work well in a team while also taking initiative when needed

What You’ll Need

To apply for this exciting opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:

• GCSE’s in Maths, Science and English at grade 4 or above
• 3 A Levels at grade C or above, or a BTEC Extended Diploma (averaging merits/distinctions), or the equivalent of 96 UCAS points or more
• Be eligible to live, work and study in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship programme

If accepted, you will need to pass a mandatory drug and alcohol test (during the induction and at any time with regular spot checks) and undertake safety critical training to be able to work on, or near, a railway.

What You’ll Get

We believe in rewarding talent and hard work.  As a PlanBEE Rail apprentice, you’ll receive the following:

• Salary: circa £23,500 per year
• Pension plan
• 25 days annual leave
• TransPennine Express travel pass
• Hands on experience with industry leaders across diverse projects
• Level 4 Associate Project Manager qualification upon completion
• The opportunity to interview for roles with our partner companies subject to availability

How to Apply

Applications close on 23 March 2025.  We encourage you to attend a meet the employer event to find out more about the scheme before you submit your application.  Further information on this can be found here PlanBEE Rail - Higher Apprenticeship Programme

The application process includes:

1. Submitting an online application.
2. You’ll be invited to complete a written online assessment early April 2025 for shortlisted candidates
3. Our assessment centre is the last stage in the process and will incorporate an interview that will take place at the end of May 2025
4. Successful candidates will begin the PlanBEE Rail programme starting in September 2025

If you require any adjustments during the application process, please send an email to apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk

Be Part of Something Bigger

This apprenticeship is more than just a job – it’s your opportunity to develop industry-ready skills, contribute to transformative projects, and build a career that connects millions.  PlanBEE Rail provides the foundation to grow into a skilled project manager.

Don’t miss out – apply today and take the first step towards an exciting future in rail project management!