Project Management Apprentice Review
at Network Rail
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
My apprenticeship has been structured that I go on 9 month rotations to different teams across the programme, which has given me a lot of exposure into different teams. There's also opportunities to get involved with networks if I'm low on work in any of the teams I'm in which is helpful. It's not uncommon for apprentices to now know what our next rotation is, or have one arranged nor is it uncommon that we don't have an established workstream to do day to day activities. In teams as such a day to day would be dialing in meetings and shadowing your manager in good teams you'd have an established workstream, responsibility and ownership.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The working culture isn't as inclusive as I thought it would be, apprentices are often expected to overwork and take on more than what we should by senior managers yet we are still undermined, mental health isn't taken the most serious and if we deal with issues with our managers it's hard to know who to turn to, what support is available or feel like we will be supported and vouched for. ( Also to note that my experience is likely to be different to others as a POC)
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Having been around of different teams I have learnt new skills, developed knowledge and understanding on topics I never knew prior. I've also built my network and had a lot of personal and professional development.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Poor - many times they wat you to arrange your rotations which can be hard to do if you don't know anyone or all the teams that are out there. When you are put into teams it's likely they don't have any work for you so you end up shadowing and doing administrative tasks
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Besides myself I know of many apprentices who've had unpleasant managers or teams and we've shared the same opinion that although there's 'support' it's unlikely we will be validated, often we don't want to seem ungrateful so we continue.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes there are many activities you can get involved in outside your work such as events, networking groups etc
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Network Rail is an amazing company if you love the Rail industry and are very flexible and accommodating for parents and if I met a young person with a passion for rail I'd recommend. Also to note, although I worked for Network Rail I was in a programme so it was a bit different, Network Rail seems like an amazing company especially as I've visited other offices across England and they have a warm and welcoming culture for sure.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
In my interview I asked how Network Rail prioritise the mental health of employees and my interviewee said 'they don't'. I'd take this advise on, join a union and make sure you express your expectations of having work to do when joining teams.
