NSAR employs 15 apprentices hosted by various industry partners through the PlanBEE Rail programme.
About PlanBEE Rail
PlanBEE Rail is a pioneering apprenticeship to address skills shortages and give young people the chance to launch their careers in the rail industry. NSAR has joined forces with Network Rail, TransPennine Route Upgrade, their supply chain partners and Gateshead College 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.
NSAR’s role
During the two-year programme, the apprentices will be employed by NSAR and undertake four six-month placements working for leading organisations in the rail sector including Alstom, AmcoGiffen, Aureos, Amey, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Murphy, Network Rail, SYSTRA, Transpennine Express and Volker Rail.
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.
Benefits
Through exposure to different employers and projects, the apprentices will develop a wide range of industry knowledge and skills. This wouldn’t be possible without NSAR’s role as a flexi-job apprenticeship agency, employing the apprentices while they are placed with the various host organisations and providing HR support.
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.”
Neil Robertson, NSAR Chief Executive, said: “Rail needs thousands more apprentices over the coming years to help meet skills shortages. NSAR is committed to supporting the industry achieve this. We are looking forward to working with Gateshead College, Network Rail and the supply chain partners over the next two years to deliver a unique and high-quality apprenticeship programme that sets up these 15 young people to succeed in their careers and in rail.”
