A Look into Life as a Rail Project Management Apprentice

For National Apprenticeship Week, we’re spotlighting our apprentices and their journeys. Today, we’re featuring Leah from our PlanBEE Rail programme.

My name is Leah Allen, and I am a Level 4 Project Management Apprentice currently working within the rail industry through the PlanBEE Rail programme.

I chose an apprenticeship because, while 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 my time in a real role, contributing to real projects.

No two days in my role are the same, which is something I really enjoy. Depending on my placement and the project I’m working on, some days I’m based in the office, attending team meetings, discussing project progress with stakeholders, and supporting the team with tasks such as developing programmes and assisting with project documentation.

Other days I am out on site, reviewing how the project or physical works are progressing. I have also attended client meetings, supporting the project manager. This variety has really helped my development and strengthened my understanding of project management.

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 major infrastructure projects are delivered, and I learned a lot from the people around me.

I have also really enjoyed being part of the voluntary Early Careers Professionals Committee, which has helped me build confidence and gain experience I might not have otherwise had—such as planning events and implementing new initiatives to support other apprentices and graduates across TRU.

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.

One of the biggest learning curves has been rotating between four different companies, moving to a new environment every six months. I had never done anything like this before, and although it pushed me out of my comfort zone, it helped me develop adaptability, resilience, and flexibility—all key skills in project management.

The railway industry has been an incredibly supportive place to grow early in my career, and looking ahead I hope to continue working in project environments within the sector.