Assistant Project Manager Review
at Network Rail
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Warrington, Cheshire
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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 work as an Assistant Project Manager within the Structures Examination Team, supporting the delivery of specialist structural inspections across the route. This includes structures such as bridges, retaining walls, culverts, tunnels and other railway assets that require detailed examination to ensure they remain safe and compliant.
On a day-to-day basis my role involves planning and coordinating examinations with our supply chain, making sure the right access, resources and enabling works are in place so inspections can be carried out safely and efficiently. This often includes arranging things like vegetation removal, traffic management, rope access, scaffolding or track access so examiners can safely reach and assess the structure.
A big part of the role is programme management and performance monitoring. I work closely with suppliers to track planned vs actual delivery, address any issues that could delay an examination, and make sure reports are submitted on time in line with standards. Where problems arise, I help coordinate solutions between suppliers, maintainers and internal teams to keep the programme moving.
I also spend time reviewing data and reporting on delivery performance, identifying risks to the programme and escalating where necessary. The aim is to ensure examinations are completed within the required timescales so Network Rail maintains compliance and continues to operate a safe railway.
Overall, the role is about keeping a large and complex programme of structural examinations organised and moving, working with multiple teams to remove obstacles and ensure inspections can be delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
On a day-to-day basis my role involves planning and coordinating examinations with our supply chain, making sure the right access, resources and enabling works are in place so inspections can be carried out safely and efficiently. This often includes arranging things like vegetation removal, traffic management, rope access, scaffolding or track access so examiners can safely reach and assess the structure.
A big part of the role is programme management and performance monitoring. I work closely with suppliers to track planned vs actual delivery, address any issues that could delay an examination, and make sure reports are submitted on time in line with standards. Where problems arise, I help coordinate solutions between suppliers, maintainers and internal teams to keep the programme moving.
I also spend time reviewing data and reporting on delivery performance, identifying risks to the programme and escalating where necessary. The aim is to ensure examinations are completed within the required timescales so Network Rail maintains compliance and continues to operate a safe railway.
Overall, the role is about keeping a large and complex programme of structural examinations organised and moving, working with multiple teams to remove obstacles and ensure inspections can be delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I particularly enjoy the problem-solving side of the role. A lot of the time the challenge is working out how to get an examination delivered where there are constraints such as access, vegetation, traffic management or third-party issues. Finding a solution that allows the inspection to go ahead and keeps the programme on track is quite rewarding.
It can also be a fast-paced environment, especially when there are pressures around compliance or year-end delivery, but that comes with the territory and adds a level of responsibility to the role. When things come together and you’re able to close out structures that have been open for a long time, it’s a good feeling.
Overall, I enjoy being involved in work that directly contributes to the safety and management of the railway’s infrastructure, while also working with a strong team that supports each other to get the programme delivered.
It can also be a fast-paced environment, especially when there are pressures around compliance or year-end delivery, but that comes with the territory and adds a level of responsibility to the role. When things come together and you’re able to close out structures that have been open for a long time, it’s a good feeling.
Overall, I enjoy being involved in work that directly contributes to the safety and management of the railway’s infrastructure, while also working with a strong team that supports each other to get the programme delivered.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, throughout my apprenticeship I’ve developed a number of new skills and also strengthened some existing ones.
One of the biggest areas of development has been programme management and coordination. I’ve learnt how to plan and track structural examinations, manage competing priorities, and work with suppliers to make sure inspections are delivered within the required timeframes. This has helped improve my organisation and planning skills significantly.
I’ve also developed stronger communication and stakeholder management skills. The role involves working with a wide range of people including suppliers, maintainers, asset engineers and internal teams. Over time I’ve become more confident leading discussions, resolving issues and ensuring everyone is aligned on what needs to be delivered.
Another key area has been technical understanding of railway structures and standards. Through the work and the apprenticeship learning, I’ve gained a much better understanding of how examinations are carried out, what is required for a compliant inspection, and how standards and processes apply in practice.
I’ve also improved my problem-solving skills, particularly when dealing with issues such as access constraints, enabling works, or programme delays. Learning how to assess the situation and coordinate a solution with the relevant teams has been a valuable part of the role.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me build a stronger mix of technical knowledge, communication skills and practical experience, which has made me more confident in my role and better prepared for further progression.
One of the biggest areas of development has been programme management and coordination. I’ve learnt how to plan and track structural examinations, manage competing priorities, and work with suppliers to make sure inspections are delivered within the required timeframes. This has helped improve my organisation and planning skills significantly.
I’ve also developed stronger communication and stakeholder management skills. The role involves working with a wide range of people including suppliers, maintainers, asset engineers and internal teams. Over time I’ve become more confident leading discussions, resolving issues and ensuring everyone is aligned on what needs to be delivered.
Another key area has been technical understanding of railway structures and standards. Through the work and the apprenticeship learning, I’ve gained a much better understanding of how examinations are carried out, what is required for a compliant inspection, and how standards and processes apply in practice.
I’ve also improved my problem-solving skills, particularly when dealing with issues such as access constraints, enabling works, or programme delays. Learning how to assess the situation and coordinate a solution with the relevant teams has been a valuable part of the role.
Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me build a stronger mix of technical knowledge, communication skills and practical experience, which has made me more confident in my role and better prepared for further progression.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Overall, the programme is well organised and structured, especially considering it runs alongside a full-time role. The learning materials and modules are clear, and there is enough support to allow you to progress while managing work responsibilities.
That said, I do feel that more face-to-face training would be beneficial, particularly when covering more complex topics. Being able to discuss things in person, ask questions and learn collaboratively can often make it easier to fully understand certain subjects.
However, I do appreciate that the current format is designed to be flexible so it can fit around people who are working full time. The balance between learning and work commitments is generally manageable, and the structure allows you to continue developing while gaining practical experience in your role.
Overall, the programme provides a good foundation, and with a bit more face-to-face interaction it could be even more effective.
That said, I do feel that more face-to-face training would be beneficial, particularly when covering more complex topics. Being able to discuss things in person, ask questions and learn collaboratively can often make it easier to fully understand certain subjects.
However, I do appreciate that the current format is designed to be flexible so it can fit around people who are working full time. The balance between learning and work commitments is generally manageable, and the structure allows you to continue developing while gaining practical experience in your role.
Overall, the programme provides a good foundation, and with a bit more face-to-face interaction it could be even more effective.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout the programme. My team and manager are understanding of the apprenticeship commitments and are supportive when I need time to complete coursework or attend learning sessions.
There is also support in terms of guidance and experience within the team. If I’m unsure about something or need help understanding a process or technical aspect of the role, there are always colleagues I can speak to who are willing to help.
Balancing the apprenticeship with a full-time role can sometimes be challenging, but overall the support from my employer makes it manageable. Having a team that understands the importance of the programme and encourages development has been really helpful in allowing me to progress.
There is also support in terms of guidance and experience within the team. If I’m unsure about something or need help understanding a process or technical aspect of the role, there are always colleagues I can speak to who are willing to help.
Balancing the apprenticeship with a full-time role can sometimes be challenging, but overall the support from my employer makes it manageable. Having a team that understands the importance of the programme and encourages development has been really helpful in allowing me to progress.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from the training provider while working towards the qualification. The tutors are approachable and available if I need help with the coursework or if something in the module isn’t clear.
There are regular check-ins and progress reviews which help keep things on track and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues or areas where extra support might be needed. The feedback on submitted work is also helpful, as it gives clear guidance on where improvements can be made.
As the programme runs alongside a full-time job, the flexibility of the support is important, and the training provider generally does a good job of accommodating that. Overall, the support provided helps make the qualification achievable while balancing work commitments.
There are regular check-ins and progress reviews which help keep things on track and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues or areas where extra support might be needed. The feedback on submitted work is also helpful, as it gives clear guidance on where improvements can be made.
As the programme runs alongside a full-time job, the flexibility of the support is important, and the training provider generally does a good job of accommodating that. Overall, the support provided helps make the qualification achievable while balancing work commitments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It definitely helps to a point. Some of the things we cover link well with the job and give a bit more understanding around how things work and why certain processes are done the way they are. That’s useful when you’re dealing with different teams and suppliers day to day.
At the same time, a lot of what I’ve learnt has come from being in the role itself and dealing with situations as they come up. The qualification helps back that up with a bit more theory and structure around it.
Overall it’s been helpful, but I’d probably say the best learning still comes from the practical side of the job and the experience you pick up day to day.
At the same time, a lot of what I’ve learnt has come from being in the role itself and dealing with situations as they come up. The qualification helps back that up with a bit more theory and structure around it.
Overall it’s been helpful, but I’d probably say the best learning still comes from the practical side of the job and the experience you pick up day to day.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There may well be extra-curricular activities available through work, such as social events or networking opportunities, but personally I’m not very aware of them. My role tends to be quite busy and most of my time is focused on the day-to-day delivery of the programme.
Outside of work I also have other commitments, so realistically I wouldn’t have much time to take part in additional activities even if they were available.
That said, it’s possible there are opportunities within the wider organisation that I just haven’t come across yet.
Outside of work I also have other commitments, so realistically I wouldn’t have much time to take part in additional activities even if they were available.
That said, it’s possible there are opportunities within the wider organisation that I just haven’t come across yet.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d recommend Network Rail because it’s a good place to build experience and develop your career. The work is interesting and varied, and you get the chance to be involved in projects that directly contribute to keeping the railway running safely.
There are also a lot of opportunities to learn on the job. You work with people from different backgrounds and disciplines, which helps you pick up new skills and gain a better understanding of how the railway operates.
It can be a busy and sometimes challenging environment, but that also means you’re trusted with real responsibility and you’re able to develop quickly. Overall it’s a good place to gain experience, progress in your career and be part of something that has a real impact on the country’s infrastructure.
There are also a lot of opportunities to learn on the job. You work with people from different backgrounds and disciplines, which helps you pick up new skills and gain a better understanding of how the railway operates.
It can be a busy and sometimes challenging environment, but that also means you’re trusted with real responsibility and you’re able to develop quickly. Overall it’s a good place to gain experience, progress in your career and be part of something that has a real impact on the country’s infrastructure.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
I’d say go for it and don’t worry if you don’t know everything about the railway straight away. A lot of what you learn comes once you’re in the job, so being willing to learn and get stuck in is probably the most important thing.
It’s also worth asking questions and speaking to people around you. There’s a lot of experience in the teams and most people are happy to help if you’re willing to listen and learn from them.
Another thing is to be organised and stay on top of things. The railway can be quite fast paced and there can be a lot going on at once, so keeping track of your work and communicating well with people makes a big difference.
Most importantly, just show that you’re keen, reliable and willing to take responsibility. If you do that, you’ll pick things up quickly and there are plenty of opportunities to develop.
It’s also worth asking questions and speaking to people around you. There’s a lot of experience in the teams and most people are happy to help if you’re willing to listen and learn from them.
Another thing is to be organised and stay on top of things. The railway can be quite fast paced and there can be a lot going on at once, so keeping track of your work and communicating well with people makes a big difference.
Most importantly, just show that you’re keen, reliable and willing to take responsibility. If you do that, you’ll pick things up quickly and there are plenty of opportunities to develop.
