Innovative apprenticeship programme expands into rail

An award-winning apprenticeship scheme developed in the North East to tackle construction skills shortages is expanding to offer career opportunities in the rail sector.

PlanBEE, an innovative apprenticeship programme pioneered by Gateshead College and Ryder Architecture, will now offer the same career-launching opportunities to people wanting to pursue a career in project management within the rail industry.

The college has joined forces with Network Rail and their supply chain partners to launch PlanBEE Rail, which aims to develop a new generation of multidisciplinary project managers, specifically trained to meet the changing needs of the rail sector.

Apprentices will gain hands-on experience working on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme, the Digital Railway programme and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: “We are very proud to be launching PlanBEE Rail which will offer the same life-changing career opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in project management within the rail sector. The PlanBEE programme has been a massive success story in the North East with 98% of our graduates securing roles in the built environment sector. 

“PlanBEE is a truly innovative programme which has the flexibility to be adapted to different markets and geographical areas. It brings together businesses to provide each apprentice with a flexible range of skills to meet the needs of a sector. The kind of opportunities PlanBEE offers can’t be found on any other apprenticeship anywhere else in the country.”

During the two-year PlanBEE Rail programme, the successful candidates will complete four six-month placements working for leading employers in the rail sector including Alstom, AmcoGiffen, Amey, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Keltbray, Morgan Sindall, Murphy, Network Rail, Systra, Transpennine Express, and Volker Rail.

Tim Craddock, HR director at Network Rail Eastern Region, said: “PlanBEE Rail is a fabulous opportunity to start a dynamic career in rail - it is not just a standard apprenticeship programme; it's a strategic initiative to bring talent into the rail industry by working collaboratively with our supply chain partners.

“This approach ensures that our apprentices will not only gain a valuable qualification but will get the opportunity to work with a range of employers across the sector. In doing so, they will be able to develop the skills and understanding, necessary to become fully qualified project management professionals, with all the potential and opportunity that brings for the future. I am proud and excited to be part of such a fantastic programme.”

Successful candidates will be based in York, Leeds, Doncaster, and Huddersfield and will be employed to learn on the job, with a starting salary of more than £22,000. The programme offers a viable alternative to traditional university routes with tuition fees covered. Apprentices will spend one day a week studying for a Level 4 Associate Project Manager qualification, and will developing their knowledge of the rail industry and project management through a combination of lectures, tutorials, field work and site visits.

Neil Holm, managing director of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “PlanBEE is a fantastic opportunity to develop a really rewarding career while supporting the rail industry, which offers an array of roles to work in. All of us at TRU fully support the initiative which reflects our commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving challenges of the sector.”