PlanBEE Rail is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February) by celebrating the impact being made by its apprentices across rail projects in the North of England.
PlanBEE Rail is a unique higher apprenticeship scheme that aims to help address skills shortages by recruiting and nurturing the next generation of project managers, giving them the opportunity to launch their careers in the rail industry. Network Rail and their supply chain partners worked in collaboration with Gateshead College and NSAR to launch the programme in 2024.
Following a successful pilot, the programme launched a second cohort in September 2025 that will see apprentices undertake four six-month placements working for 18 leading employers: Amco Griffin, Amey, ARUP, Aureos, Balfour Beatty, BAM, DfT, Jacobs, Morgan Sindall, Mott Macdonald, Murphy, Network Rail, RPS, Socotec, Systra, TransPennine Express, Transpennine Route Upgrade, and VolkerRail.
Being able to gain experience across a number of different organisations has meant that PlanBEE Rail apprentices are better prepared for future roles within the industry. Amelia Abbott, part of the first cohort, has already secured a role for when her time on the scheme is over.
“During my time with PlanBEE Rail, I have had the opportunity to work with teams across Balfour Beatty, Volker Rail and Network Rail, which has given me valuable exposure to both the delivery side of the railway and the wider programme environment.
“These placements have given me the opportunity to assist in meetings, gain on‑site experience and support senior stakeholders, all of which have helped me build a strong understanding of how projects are planned, managed and delivered. My final placement is with TransPennine Express, and I am looking forward to gaining experience from a different operational perspective.
“Following PlanBEE Rail, I have secured a Degree Apprenticeship with Network Rail where I will be joining the TRU Central team. This role focuses on delivering enabling projects that will support the full realisation of TRU, I am excited to continue to develop my skills and understanding as I take on new responsibilities.”
The launch of a second cohort means there are now 30 apprentices currently active on the programme and making a difference across a range of rail projects that are of national importance, such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade, East Coast Digital Programme and Northern Powerhouse Rail. In total, PlanBEE Rail apprentices have worked over 4,000 days across these projects.
One of those apprentices is Leah Allen, who was part of the first cohort and following a successful start to her placement with the Transpennine Route Upgrade, won a Gateshead College ‘Edge’ Award.
“I chose an apprenticeship because whilst I enjoy learning theory in the classroom, I have always understood things best when I can apply them in the real world. My apprenticeship has allowed me to do exactly that, spending one day a week with Gateshead College, and the rest of the time in a real role, contributing to real projects.
“One of my favourite projects so far has been the Shipley Depot Project on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). Being part of such a large multidisciplinary team gave me valuable insight into how large infrastructure projects are delivered, and I learnt a lot from the people around me.
“A highlight of my apprenticeship was being given the opportunity to meet the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, during a visit marking a significant programme milestone, the electrification of 25% of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
“The railway industry has been an incredibly supportive place to grow as an early career professional and looking ahead I am hopeful to continue working in project environments within the railway industry.”
Leah is one of three apprentices on the scheme who have been nominated for awards, while Gateshead College’s PlanBEE apprenticeship programme – which PlanBEE Rail is an extension of – was awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education in November 2025, the highest national honour a Further Education College can receive.
Emma Iley, Head of Department at Gateshead College said:
“It’s fantastic to see the PlanBEE Rail apprentices excelling on their programme. They bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for the rail industry and I’m confident they’ve got successful careers ahead of them.”
If you would like to find out more about the PlanBEE Rail programme, please contact us now.