Our ground-breaking apprentice programme, PlanBEE Rail, recently welcomed its second cohort of apprentices last month. Created to address the skills shortage in rail, these apprentices take part in multiple placements over two years, training to become adept in project management. After two weeks of induction where they met the sponsors that make this all possible, completed their safety certifications and went on some exciting site visits, these talented individuals are now ready to move into their first placements across the rail industry. Make sure to stay up to date with their journeys.
Our partner Railway Study Network (RSN) recently hosted their annual dinner 2025, where I was honoured to be a guest speaker alongside NSAR Chair and CEO of Porterbrook, Mary Grant. A fantastic night bringing together the rail industry, we heard from apprentices at Network Rail and Colas about their experiences, alongside important fundraising for the Railway Benefit Fund. This event is an excellent showcase of what rail is truly about; collaboration and innovation. Register your interest in the 2026 dinner now.
I have previously mentioned how artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in rail. Last month, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy opened the first meeting of GBRX’s newly formed AI Advisory Council. This council will form the AI Action Plan for Rail, to be released later this year, with the aim of overcoming barriers to adopting digital technologies within the industry. We are proud to be supporting this with the formation of our new joint digital apprenticeship programme with GBRX, and encourage you to consider taking on a level 6 Data Science Apprentice through this exciting new scheme.
Find out more here.
As you may well know, this year celebrates 200 years of the modern railway, a system that supports lives everywhere, everyday. Our industry-wide initiative Routes into Rail, a platform designed to connect those wishing to join rail directly with employers, has been celebrating with Railway 200 through a series of exciting campaigns and activities, including their travelling museum train. A big supporter of this are Worldline, who NSAR are also working closely with to build a new Routes into Rail website that better addresses the needs of the industry and those looking to join it. Keep an eye out for more updates soon, and take a look at the Routes into Rail website for more insights into what we do.