At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve our Early Careers strategy, focusing on apprenticeships and entry-level pathways.
- Company: Join TransPennine Express, a forward-thinking rail company dedicated to progress and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, free rail travel, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career prospects and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce transformation and help develop the next generation of talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in apprenticeships, strong leadership skills, and a passion for inclusion and talent development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Early Careers Manager
We\'re TransPennine Express and we\'re going places. Whether that\'s helping customers reach their destination, or ensuring our colleagues feel fulfilled and supported in their careers. We\'re looking for people with drive and enthusiasm to join our amazing team and help push for more progress within the rail industry. We look forward to meeting new faces and eager minds, ready to join our mission of creating a better-connected network in the North and Scotland, for good.
Are you passionate about developing the next generation of talent and making a real impact on workforce transformation? We\'re looking for an inspirational Early Careers & Apprenticeships Lead to design, deliver, and drive our Early Careers strategy, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and entry-level pathways that open doors for people from all backgrounds.
What You’ll Be Doing?
- Lead and evolve our Early Careers strategy, ensuring it meets future business needs and drives inclusion across every programme.
- Own the full apprenticeship lifecycle, from attraction and recruitment to onboarding, development, and progression, delivering exceptional experiences at every stage.
- Champion quality and compliance, ensuring our programmes meet the specification of apprenticeship standards set by Skills England and DfE, funding requirements and regulations.
- Collaborate with training providers and internal stakeholders to create engaging learning journeys and maximise the use of the Apprenticeship Levy.
- Expand our early careers offer, developing inclusive graduate and entry-level programmes aligned to future skills and workforce priorities.
- Partner with Diversity & Inclusion and Talent colleagues to design initiatives that boost representation, close talent gaps, and improve retention.
- Engage with senior leaders and Heads of Department to identify future talent needs and build new apprenticeship pathways to support them.
- Recognising the critical importance of cross-industry collaboration with early careers leaders to gain valuable insights, establish robust working relationships, promote innovation, and influence the long-term development of the rail industry workforce.
- Track and analyse data, using insights to measure impact, inform planning, and ensure readiness for future industry developments, including Great British Railways (GBR).
About You?
You’re a confident, forward-thinking people leader who brings both strategic vision and hands‑on expertise in apprenticeships and early careers. You’ll have a strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, compliance frameworks, and partnerships with training providers, alongside a genuine passion for inclusion and talent development.
You’ll thrive on collaboration, know how to turn strategy into action, and be motivated by seeing people and programmes reach their full potential.
If that sounds like the right fit for you, then we’d love to hear from you. Please click apply and complete an application form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Please be advised that interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November.
What we offer?
- Excellent career prospects.
- A personal development plan.
- Structured training and development
- Competitive salary paid on a 4-weekly basis.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Free TransPennine Express rail travel for you and your dependents*.
- Travel discounts of up to 75% off other train operating companies, plus international rail travel after 1 year’s service* for you and your dependents*.
- Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing Portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with any finance, family, health, or wellbeing issues you have. We make sure there’s someone on‑hand to offer guidance, advice, and useful information for our people when they are experiencing hardship at work or at home.
- Option to join the Railway Pension Scheme with significant employer contributions.
- Family friendly maternity and paternity benefits.
- Plus, high street and lifestyle discounts as well as a cycle to work scheme*.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Early Careers Manager in Manchester employer: Tpexpress
TransPennine Express is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, particularly for those passionate about developing the next generation of talent in the rail industry. With excellent career prospects, structured training, and generous benefits including free rail travel for employees and their dependents, we prioritise employee growth and wellbeing. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and ensures that every team member can make a meaningful impact on workforce transformation across the North and Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Careers Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rail industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Early Careers Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusion and talent development during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've championed diversity in previous roles. This will resonate well with TransPennine Express's mission and show that you're the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching TransPennine Express’s current early careers initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to evolving their strategy and improving apprenticeship pathways. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Careers Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for developing talent shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can make a difference in the early careers space.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Early Careers Manager role. Highlight your understanding of apprenticeship standards and your commitment to inclusion, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see how your experience fits with our needs and makes it easier for us to get to know you.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at TransPennine Express!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tpexpress
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research TransPennine Express thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments in the rail industry. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Talent Development
As an Early Careers Manager, your passion for developing talent is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully designed or implemented apprenticeship programmes in the past. Highlight your commitment to inclusion and how you've made a positive impact on workforce transformation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you might face in leading early careers strategies and how you would address them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future plans for early careers and apprenticeships. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
