Transport Planning Apprentice Review
at Nexus
Degree Apprenticeship
Transport Planning
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
My role is in business development, my primary role is to support writing business cases to get funding for Metro projects, although I do support with business cases on other projects in the Nexus realm. I have also worked on some other various tasks, related to Metro, such as the demand model. I help also with responding to strategies from both local and national government. As I have only been in my role since September 2024, it will continue to develop in the future to cover more areas as I become more confident in my ability and the tasks I am undertaking.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme very much. I get involved in a wide range of different activities and tasks making it very interesting to come to work, and not dull working on the same thing continuously. I am encouraged to continue to push myself and try new work, whilst also being supported to do that.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The main new skill I have learned is presentation skills. During my time at Nexus I have been given several opportunities to push myself in this area, and been able to present to a range of audiences. I've also developed the typical skills such as time management from balancing multiple projects and university work at the same time, communication skills from having to work with new people both in my team and externally, and critical thinking from considering multiple viewpoints.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured. I always know what modules I have at university coming up, and what my KSBs are, so can accommodate for that at work, ensuring I am able to work on projects related to those. The transition into working has been smooth, as I haven't been pressured with major tasks and projects immediately. Occasionally, it feels like there isn't enough work, although this is the nature of the department I work in so work does arise soon after.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. On the first induction days, I met other apprentices starting at the same time as me, meaning I knew I wasn't alone when starting my apprenticeship. The support apprentices receive is the same as other employees of the organisation, so I have access to all the tools I need, such as mental health support, company benefits, and online courses. They also host apprentice development days, where first year apprentices complete activities together to aid development and receive lectures on important topics. Some of these topics include mental health and financial planning. When I need to do university work, my employer allows me time to do that during my working day and I can take more time to do it if I need to, meaning they are lenient with how I work on coursework or do revision.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university has been good with their support. If I email a lecturer, I normally will get a response within 1-3 days of sending an email. Occasionally there has been times where I didn't receive a response though. They provide a a skills coach to me, who support me with my portfolio of evidence, such as off the job hours and coursework feedback. These catchups are every 8-12 weeks, and are useful in reviewing anything I have done in my working hours and what I could've done better. They discuss my KSBs as well, and help review my progress towards them. Sometimes, if I email my skills coach, I won't always get a response, and have to email again.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has been beneficial in helping me to perform better in my role. In some instances, it helps give background understanding on certain topics helping me to quicker understand subjects. Many of the modules at university I have seen have at least some relation to the work I do on a daily basis, allowing me to pick some things up quicker.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are occasional social activities. There is a monthly wellbeing walk, which is a hike which all employees at Nexus are invited to join. There are a few other events on from time to time, but nothing that is continuous like a sports team or like a society you'd find at a university.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Nexus to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Nexus has great benefits, with free travel and travel discounts, health plans, an employee union and others. I have enjoyed my time working here so far, as I receive the support I need, and have only been met with friendly people, all of whom are always welcoming and willing to help with anything that I need support on.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nexus?
Show a genuine interest in the company, and align yourself to the company's values. If you want to make a difference to public transport in the region, mentions this also helps, as it is the main mission of the organisation. Ensure you have met the skills requirements on the job description, and gain some experience in the areas so you can put it on a CV and discuss them in an interview.
