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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the TRU Sustainability team with administrative tasks and community engagement.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, study support, and discounts on travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in one of the UK's biggest rail programmes.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20500 - 20500 £ per year.
About Network Rail
Key Information
- Role: Business Administration Apprentice
- Salary: £20,500 per annum
- Location: York
- Contract Type: Permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail only
- Office Requirement: Hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week in the York office. May be required to work from TRU locations across York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester, with occasional travel to additional sites as needed.
Entry Requirements: A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
Selection Process: If selected, you will be asked 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).
Leave: 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
Discounts: Employees are entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel (including off peak and super off-peak tickets) and 75% discount on season tickets.
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!
Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a £10.7 billion programme 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. It covers 76 miles across the North of England, serving 23 stations and features bridges, viaducts, tunnels, and level crossings. Proposed improvements aim to deliver a reliable railway for passengers with greater capacity, services, and faster journey times.
Exciting Business Administration Apprentice Opportunity with the TRU Sustainability team.
Role Overview
As a Business Administration Apprentice on TRU, you will help keep one of the UK's biggest rail programmes running smoothly and support the TRU programme by providing high quality administrative services that help deliver a safer, greener, and more reliable railway. You will be based in the sustainability team, working with internal and external stakeholders to keep information flowing, actions tracked, and governance organised. You will:
- Organise meetings and travel, and prepare agendas, minutes, and action logs.
- Keep records and trackers up to date, including risk registers and sustainability KPIs.
- Draft emails, reports, and presentations, and maintain SharePoint content.
- Help plan and run engagement events with communities, schools, and partners.
- Manage data and documents carefully, protect sensitive information, and follow safety rules.
- Work closely with the TRU Sustainability Team, supporting ‘Our Guiding Compass' across Northern jobs, enhanced environment, satisfied customers, and communities.
- Gain experience in sustainability reporting, community engagement, and programme governance, with opportunities to contribute to events along the Manchester–Leeds–York route.
Additional Context
This role gives you hands-on experience in how sustainability helps deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable rail upgrades — and you will be part of the team making it happen.
What we offer:
- On-the-job experience: Exposure to varying business administration duties in different areas of the programme.
- 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 covers all costs associated with your studies.
- Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship to support your professional growth and success.
- Career development: Develop skills to become a confident planning professional.
- Permanent employment: Permanent employment with Network Rail, competitive salary, and excellent benefits while you complete a professional qualification.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate: At TRU, we are looking for someone motivated to make a real impact, eager to learn, and ready to grow into a future leader. You will bring:
- Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
- Confident with technology and communication.
- Attention to detail and integrity when handling confidential information.
- A team player who enjoys helping others and improving processes.
- Interest in sustainability and social value, and a willingness to learn how admin supports TRU's goals.
Apply now and help shape the future of rail — we are excited to meet you!
We strongly encourage you to submit a cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter should tell us why you are passionate about joining the TRU 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 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, we will be unable to sponsor this role. Some 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 8, salary: £20,500 per annum
Closing date: 22 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.
Business Administration Apprentice employer: Network Rail Limited
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Administration Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get your video response sorted! This is your chance to show off your personality and passion for the role. Keep it engaging, be yourself, and make sure you answer all the questions clearly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the Assessment Centre like it's a big game day! Research Network Rail and the TRU programme, practice common interview questions, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Network, network, network! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend any events they might have. It’s a great way to learn more about the company culture and get insider tips.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Administration Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! Tell us why you’re excited about joining the TRU team and how your unique skills can contribute to our mission.
Be Organised: Make sure your application is neat and well-structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This shows us that you’re organised and can manage priorities effectively, just like the role requires!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight experiences and skills that align with the Business Administration Apprentice role. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Check for any typos or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Network Rail's mission and the specifics of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Familiarise yourself with their sustainability goals and how your role as a Business Administration Apprentice fits into the bigger picture.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Since this role involves a lot of administrative tasks, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and priorities. Bring examples of how you've successfully organised events or projects in the past, and be ready to explain your methods.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team and the projects you'll be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out.
✨Prepare for the Assessment Centre
If you get to the assessment centre stage, practice common group activities and presentations. Be ready to demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you collaborate with others.
