On Monday 15th September, the second cohort of PlanBEE Rail apprentices will begin their journeys in the rail industry as the next phase of this pioneering shared apprenticeship scheme gets underway.
The launch follows what has been a highly successful first year for PlanBEE Rail apprentices after the scheme was introduced in September 2024, thanks to a unique partnership between a range of sponsors across the rail industry.
Established by Network Rail and its supply chain partners, who joined forces with Gateshead College and NSAR (National Skills Academy for Rail), the programme aims to develop a new generation of project managers that can apply their skillset to the ever-changing demands of the rail sector.
With 15 apprentices kickstarting their career, the programme’s maiden year was a huge success. One of the greatest indicators of the impact that PlanBEE Rail can have on young professionals in the industry is how Cohort 1 inductee, Leah Allen, claimed an Apprentice Edge Award from Gateshead College – one of only eleven winners out of a possible 1,000.
Reflecting on his first year on the scheme, apprentice Joe Thompson said:
“Training as an apprentice Project Manager through the PlanBEE Rail scheme has been an incredibly rewarding experience, helping me gain valuable skills, confidence and insight into the world of project delivery.”
The two-year programme will see apprentices undertake four separate six-month placements with leading employers within the industry. AmcoGiffen, Amey, Aureos, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Morgan Sindall, Murphy, Network Rail, Systra, Transpennine Route Upgrade, TransPennine Express and Volker Rail all mentored PlanBEE Rail apprentices in the opening year of the programme.
These employers will now be joined by six new sponsors for the second cohort starting in September: Department for Transport, Jacobs, Arup, Socotec, Mott MacDonald, and RPS – our first SME sponsor.
The welcome addition of new sponsors is testament to how the programme has matured. Ensuring that there is a diverse group of industry-leading organisations is key for PlanBEE Rail apprentices to gain the broadest possible range of experiences, and offers valuable opportunities to work across the many facets of project management within the rail sector.
A Department for Transport mentor, said:
“DfT are delighted to be taking part in the next cohort of PlanBEE Rail starting in September 2025. Our participation not only demonstrates excellent cross-Enterprise working but also ensures a truly holistic experience for apprentices joining the programme.
Apprentices will gain a breadth of experience whilst on placement with the DfT including the business case approvals process, working right across government with other Departments, and responding to correspondence on behalf of Ministers.”
Richard Gannon, RPS Chief Operating Officer, said:
“For any apprentice, the opportunity to rotate across different companies, gaining hands-on experience, learning diverse approaches, and building a strong professional network is invaluable. It’s this kind of exposure that shapes well-rounded, capable Project Managers. I have no doubt it will help develop some outstanding talent for the industry.”
To find out more about becoming a PlanBEE Rail apprentice, please visit https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/courses/planbee/planbee-rail/
If you’re interested in joining as a programme sponsor, please visit https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/courses/planbee/planbee-employers/planbee-rail-sponsors/