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- Tasks: Join the TRU Planning team to help manage one of the UK's biggest rail projects.
- Company: Network Rail, dedicated to safe and efficient rail travel across the country.
- Benefits: £27,500 salary, 28 days leave, and 75% discounts on leisure travel.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in planning while contributing to a greener railway.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
- Other info: Permanent role with mentorship and study support for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 33000 £ per year.
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: York, Leeds or Manchester
Contract Type: Permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail only
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: 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to apply, including English and Maths.
Selection process: If selected, the next stage will be a request 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 will be an in-person Assessment Centre. Assessment Centre: Late April 2026 in York (exact date to be confirmed).
Leave and benefits: 28 days annual leave + bank holidays. Discounts: Employees will be entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel (including off peak and super off-peak tickets) and 75% discount on season tickets.
About Network Rail & TRU: Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter. We’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace and ED&I commitments. We provide a healthy work-life balance and support disability confidence during recruitment. We are excited to hear from you. Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a £10.7 billion Programme improving the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. This Programme is led by Network Rail and will be your employer. Stretching across the North of England, TRU serves 23 stations and involves many engineering activities. The programme aims to deliver a reliable railway with more seats, more services and faster journey times.
Exciting Planning Apprentice Opportunity with TRU:
- Role: Planning Apprentice within the TRU Planning team. 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 (we’ll teach you).
- Help plan safe access for engineering works on the railway.
- Track progress and deadlines to keep everything on time.
- Support with reports, meeting notes, and planning documents.
- Communicate with colleagues and internal stakeholders to keep everyone in the loop.
- Get hands-on experience on real projects and learn from experienced planners.
This role provides hands-on experience in planning for safe, efficient, and sustainable rail upgrades—joining the team making it happen.
What we offer:
- On-the-job experience: Support planning requirements across multiple functions and learn to build/manage project schedules, governance, and interdependencies with industry partners.
- Study support: Generous study support with 20% of working hours set aside for off‑the‑job learning and related studies. Network Rail covers all costs.
- Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship for professional growth and success.
- Career development: Skills and attributes to become a confident planning professional.
- Permanent employment: Permanent employment with Network Rail, competitive salary, and excellent benefits while you complete a professional qualification.
If you’re ready to kick-start your career in Planning, apply now and join us on this exciting journey.
The ideal candidate: We’re looking for someone 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
- Logical thinking
- Confidence with technology and communication
- A drive to learn and develop professionally (becoming APM qualified)
- A collaborative spirit and team-first attitude
- Openness to fresh ideas and new ways of working
- Integrity and accountability
Apply now: We’re excited to meet you. Please include a cover letter explaining why you’re passionate about joining the TRU team and what you can bring to the role. We are keen to understand what motivates you to succeed and how you can contribute to delivering a safer, greener, and more reliable railway.
Other information: We strongly encourage a cover letter as part of your application. 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 central to our work; safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety in your application.
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.
Project Planning Apprentice x 2 roles in Manchester employer: Network Rail Limited
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Planning Apprentice x 2 roles in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get ready for that video response! Make sure you know your stuff about the role and why you're keen on joining the TRU team. Practice speaking clearly and confidently, and don’t forget to show your passion!
✨Tip Number 2
When it comes to the Assessment Centre, be yourself! They want to see how you think and work with others. So, engage with your peers, ask questions, and show off that collaborative spirit we love at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend any events related to Network Rail. It’s a great way to learn more about the company culture and maybe even get some insider tips.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the exciting journey ahead with TRU right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Planning Apprentice x 2 roles in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for the TRU team and highlight what you can bring to the role. We want to see your motivation and how you plan to contribute to a safer, greener railway.
Show Off Your Skills: When filling out your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your skills! Mention your time management, problem-solving abilities, and any tech-savvy traits. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to learn and grow with us!
Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Authenticity goes a long way, so share your unique perspective and ideas on how to improve our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail Limited
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specifics of the Planning Apprentice role. Familiarise yourself with project scheduling, safe access planning, and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Motivation
In your cover letter and during the interview, express why you're passionate about joining the TRU team. Highlight your eagerness to learn and grow into a future project leader. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity and can articulate their motivations clearly.
✨Prepare for the Assessment Centre
Since the final stage involves an in-person Assessment Centre, practice common assessment tasks like group discussions or problem-solving exercises. Brush up on your time management skills and be ready to demonstrate your collaborative spirit. Remember, teamwork is key in this role!
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Given that safety is central to Network Rail's operations, be prepared to discuss your personal commitment to safety during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you prioritised safety, whether in school projects or other activities. This will show that you understand the importance of safety in the railway industry.
