Today (Friday 1 November) marks one month since a cohort of new apprentices joined the TRU programme through PlanBEE Rail – a unique higher apprenticeship programme designed to recruit and nurture the next generation of multi-disciplinary project managers.

The initiative has been developed by Network Rail, its supply chain partners, NSAR and Gateshead College, with options to work on a variety of rail projects across the North of England.

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.”

This new group of PlanBEE Rail apprentices will also contribute towards the programme’s aim of recruiting 590 apprentices, outlined in the TRU sustainability strategy – Our Guiding Compass.

TRU’s involvement in the scheme also aligns with the programme’s commitment to provide Northern jobs, ensuring the team reflects the rich diversity of the communities it will serve.