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Project Planning Apprentice x 2 roles

Network Rail • Manchester, England, United Kingdom • £27.50k / year • 3d ago

Location

Manchester, GB

Department Name

IN TRU - West 2BC (457350) G2

About Network Rail

Key Information

Role: Project Planning Apprentice x 2 roles

Salary: £27,500per annum

Location: York, Leeds or Manchester

Contract Type: Permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail only

Start date: September 2026

Office Requirement: This is a hybrid role with an expectation of spending a minimum of three days per week in the office. You may also be required to work from other TRU locations across York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester, with occasional travel to additional sites as needed.

Entry Requirements: You'll need to have 5 GCSE's at Grade C/4 or above to apply, this must include English and Math's.

Education Provider: Academy4PM. Further course details: Academy4PM - Associate Project Manager (Level 4)

Selection Process: If selected, the next stage of the process will be a request for you to submit a video response to several questions (motivational and role specific). You will be contacted after the closing date if you are required to complete this stage. The final stage of the recruitment process will be an in-person Assessment Centre.

Assessment Centre: Late April 2026 in York (exact date to be confirmed)

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Employees will be entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel this includes off peak and super off-peak tickets. Employees will also be entitled to 75% discount on season tickets.

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Transpennine Route Upgrade

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a £10.7 billion Programme of activities that is improving the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. This Programme is being led by Network Rail (NR) who will be your employer.

Stretching across the North of England, this key 76-mile Transpennine railway serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under 285 bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 29 level crossings.

Proposed improvements as will deliver a hard-working, reliable railway for passengers, allowing for trains with more seats, more services and faster journey times.

For more information visit www.theTRUpgrade.co.uk

Brief Description

Exciting Planning Apprentice Opportunity with the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU)

Are you someone who enjoys supporting others and tackling complex challenges? Do you have a passion for solving problems and finding solutions? If so, this could be the perfect role for you!

We're offering a fantastic Planning Apprenticeship within the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Planning team.

As a Planning Apprentice on TRU, you'll help keep one of the UK's biggest rail programmes running smoothly. You'll:

Learn how to build and update project schedules using planning tools (don't worry we'll teach you!).

Help plan safe access for engineering works on the railway.

Track progress and deadlines to make sure everything's on time.

Support with reports, meeting notes, and planning documents.

Chat with colleagues and internal stakeholders to keep everyone in the loop.

Get stuck into real projects and learn from experienced planners in your team.

This role gives you hands-on experience in how planning helps deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable rail upgrades and you'll be part of the team making it happen.

About the role (External)

What we offer:

On-the-job experience: You will gain experience supporting planning requirements across multiple functions, learning to build and manage project schedules, apply governance and management methodologies, understand interdependencies between projects and industry partners, and contribute to the successful delivery of works across the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Study support: Receive generous study support, with 20% of your working hours set aside specifically for off‑the‑job learning and study related to your apprenticeship. Network Rail cover all costs associated with your studies.

Mentorship:Benefit from ongoing mentorship to ensure your professional growth and success.

Career development:Gain the skills and attributes you need to become a confident and competent planning professional.

Permanent employment with Network Rail, competitive salary, and excellent benefits all whilst you complete a professional qualification!

If you're ready to kick-start your career in Planning, develop your skills, and make a difference within the TRU Programme, apply now, and join us on this exciting journey!

What you'll get out of it:

Our investment gives you exposure to Planning on a major programme which will transform travel for the North of England over the next 10 years.

On successful completion, you will achieve a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship.

The opportunities it leads to:

At Network Rail, we are committed to providing the best in-house opportunities, offering employees at all levels excellent career progression. Many members of our Executive Team started their careers as apprentices in the rail industry, and we are proud to continue that legacy.

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to apply for various Planning roles within the organisation. As your career progresses, there are numerous opportunities for natural progression into Planning managerial positions and beyond.

We are dedicated to supporting your career growth and offering the tools and opportunities needed to help you succeed in Planning and beyond. Join us at Network Rail, where your career journey could lead to incredible opportunities for advancement and success.

The ideal candidate:

At TRU, we're looking for someone who's motivated to make a real impact, eager to learn, and ready to grow into a future project leader.

You'll bring:

Great time management.

A problem-solving mindset.

Keen eye for detail.

Logical thinker.

Confidence with tech and communication.

A drive to learn and develop professionally (becoming APM qualified!).

A professionally curious mind always asking why, how, and who.

A collaborative spirit and team-first attitude.

Openness to fresh ideas and new ways of working.

Integrity and accountability in everything you do.

Your authentic, best self.

Sound like you?

Apply now and help shape the future of rail we're excited to meet you!

We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to craft a cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you are passionate about joining the Transpennine Route Upgrade team and what unique skills, experiences, or perspectives you can bring to the role. We are keen to understand what motivates you to succeed and how you believe you can contribute to our mission of delivering a safer, greener, and more reliable railway.

If you do not hold a valid Right to Work in the UK, unfortunately we will be unable to sponsor this role.

How to apply (External)

VisitEvenbreak's Career Hive should you need accessibility support to apply. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact TRUResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.

***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness in your application.

This vacancy is Band 5, salary: £27,500 per annum

Closing date: 22nd February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.