Programme Manager Review
at Network Rail
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
York
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I support the leadership team of a national public sector organisation with delivery of non-BAU projects - the project could be anything that impacts people or any other part of the organisation. The organisation has around 2,300 employees.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy it - one of the most valuable things to come from it has been meeting and studying alongside other people from across my organisation, who I may not have otherwise met. It's been really useful to build those relationships and networks. It also gives me time away from the office and the opportunity to learn something new, even though I'm 10 years into my career at my organisation.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've been able to develop my research skills and understanding of theories and models, to help understand why people respond to change or show certain behaviours (and how you can influence those behaviours). I'm able to structure the way I approach programmes of work in a better way and understand the overall strategic aims of the organisation better.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
There is clear structure to the modules and clear expectation set about assignments and assessments. Sometimes the apprenticeship requirements themselves can be a little confusing, including the requirements for Gateway, End Point Assessment, etc.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I made sure to set the expectation of support and agree the level of support required from my employer and team before I started the apprenticeship - something that I think is really important. I receive the support I need but know that other people have struggled where the expectation has not been set or agreed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Support from the training provider is good, and they're on hand when needed. I think that some clarification around the end point assessment and gateway processes would be useful as people progress through the apprenticeship as it can be confusing and takes a while to get you head round everything.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It has been a useful qualification to gain and although it doesn't necessarily help me day to day there are lots of projects and programmes where it will be useful.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
N/A - there are but I don't participate for the most part.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
National organisation with a wide range of roles, good job security and good pay depending on where you are. There is lots of opportunity to progress, move around the industry, or carve out a career for life, depending on what you're looking for, and skills are very transferable to other organisations and industries.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
Do your research on the company and the area of the business that you're applying to, as well as the industry. Try to get a good understanding of the role if you can.
