Today, Friday 1 November, marks one month since a new group of apprentices joined the TRU programme through PlanBEE Rail, an innovative higher apprenticeship created to train the next generation of multi-disciplinary project managers.

The program was developed collaboratively by Network Rail, its supply chain partners, the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), and Gateshead College. Through PlanBEE Rail, apprentices have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of rail projects throughout the North of England, preparing them for diverse roles within the rail industry.


David Bassett, TRU Apprentice & Graduate Programmes Manager, said: "PlanBEE Rail is a pioneering apprenticeship scheme that will give young people in the North of England the opportunity to launch their careers in the rail industry.

"I'm grateful for the commitment and support of everyone involved to give our apprentices such a positive start to their careers in rail."

In what is a two-year programme where the apprentices rotate around four different employers, the TRU cohort have already had a taste of what it means to be part of a multi-billion-pound railway programme with several visits to sites across the 70-mile route.

Leah Allen, a new apprentice for the TRU East Alliance, said: "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."