Since 2019, 346 apprentices have been employed on TRU, with apprenticeships embedded in almost every facet of the programme. From engineering to sustainability and from project management to construction, apprentices are integral to the day-to-day operations of TRU – a multi-billion-pound railway programme that will transform journeys across the North.
230 of the 346 apprentices are classed as new entrants, meaning an apprenticeship with TRU is their first employed role – evidence that the programme is placing plenty of trust in early career professionals. There are also 43 upskill apprentices, who are existing employees that are taking the opportunity to upskill and further their career through an apprenticeship.
David Bassett, Apprentice & Graduate Programmes Manager for TRU, said:
“This week serves as the perfect moment for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made in our recruitment of ambitious, driven apprentices and the impact they are having on not just TRU, but the industry as a whole, given the size of the programme.
“To have passed the halfway mark of our overall target at this point is a huge milestone, and we’d encourage anyone that is considering an apprenticeship to see what the Transpennine Route Upgrade has on offer.
“To apply for an apprenticeship and view further information, please visit https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/vacancies/”
A newer aspect of TRU’s approach to apprenticeships is the PlanBEE Rail scheme, a unique higher apprenticeship programme designed to recruit and develop the next generation of project managers. The first cohort was launched back in September 2024.
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 Yorkshire – TRU being one of them. There are eight apprentices currently with TRU as part of PlanBEE Rail.
Leah Allen, a PlanBEE Rail apprentice for TRU, 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.”
Following the success of the first cohort, PlanBEE Rail will launch again in September 2025 with a new group of apprentices and in line with National Apprenticeship Week, applications for September are now open.
During the two-year programme, based across Yorkshire, apprentices will undertake four six-month placements across the rail industry.
For further details on the scheme and to apply for a PlanBEE Rail role, please visit https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/courses/planbee/planbee-rail/
A key part of TRU’s sustainability strategy – Our Guiding Compass – is to deliver Northern jobs. By the end of the programme, the aim is to have created 4,000 new roles and safeguard another 4,000, of which 20% will be from underrepresented groups to create a diverse team that reflects the communities in which we operate in.
The recruitment of all 346 apprentices has contributed to that aim, which also includes plans to ensure that 60% of the project workforce are employed from within 25 miles of the route and 80% within 40 miles.
To view Our Guiding Compass in full, head to https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/ourguidingcompass/
