PlanBEE Rail apprentices have been celebrating the successful completion of their two-year programme at a graduation ceremony held at the National Railway Museum in York.
The event brought together apprentices, their friends and family, and representatives from sponsor organisations. It marked a milestone moment for the scheme, celebrating the achievements of its first-ever cohort, with seven graduates moving into permanent roles across the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) following completion of the programme.
Launched in 2024, PlanBEE Rail was designed in partnership with Gateshead College, to recruit and nurture the next generation of multi-disciplinary project managers through a two-year apprenticeship programme.
During the programme, apprentices completed four six-month placements and had the opportunity to develop their skills while working on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the East Coast Digital Railway programme and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Amelia Abbott, one of the programme’s first graduates, has secured a position as a Project Management Apprentice with TRU. She said: “Being part of the first cohort of PlanBEE Rail has been an incredible experience. The rotational model meant I was able to build skills and confidence across a variety of organisations within the industry, and that breadth of experience has been invaluable in shaping me as a project professional.
“To now be joining TRU is something I’m really proud of, and I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned on the scheme into such a significant infrastructure project for the North.”
The graduation event was opened by James Richardson, Managing Director of TRU, who welcomed guests to the ceremony. Apprentice Leah Allen also spoke on behalf of the first cohort, before certificate presentations were delivered by Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), alongside Vicky Cross, Director of Curriculum and Skills at Gateshead College.
Vicky Cross said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the success of the very first PlanBEE Rail cohort. These apprentices have worked hard, embraced every challenge and made the most of the unique opportunities the programme has provided.”
“We’re so proud of everything they’ve achieved and they have bright futures ahead of them. We can’t wait to see where their careers take them next.”
PlanBEE Rail builds on the success of the original PlanBEE programme, launched 10 years ago to tackle skills shortages in the construction industry. The innovative model was recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its outstanding contribution to education and skills development.
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