Bridge to Rail
This new programme, developed by The Talent Foundry in partnership with Network Rail, is designed for students interested in engineering careers, specifically those who would like to do an apprenticeship with Network Rail.
What's involved?
Across five workshops - one virtual and four in person at Square One, Network Rail’s Manchester office - students will learn directly from Network Rail volunteers working in a wide range of roles and at different stages of their careers.
This programme is designed to build students’ confidence, develop essential skills, support apprenticeship applications and inspire them to achieve their ambitions.
The programme will begin in September 2026. If students are successful in gaining a place, we will contact them to confirm their acceptance. Students must be able to attend all sessions.
During the four in-person workshops students will:
- Learn about Network Rail and the wide variety of careers available in the rail industry
- Build the tools they need to succeed in the recruitment process and confidently secure a Network Rail apprenticeship
- Gain valuable experience that will help them stand out when applying for Network Rail and wider engineering roles
- Network with apprentices, graduates and employees to gain first hand insights into the industry
- Receive coaching and personalised application support when applying for a Network Rail apprenticeship
In person workshop dates
(Attendance at all sessions is required for acceptance onto the programme)
- Wednesday 23rd September
- Wednesday 21st October
- Tuesday 24th November
- Wednesday 16th December
The final virtual workshop will be held in January 2027 (date TBC)
We will make a contribution to travel costs for all students who are successfully accepted onto the programme.
Who's this suitable for?
Students must be in Year 13 or second year of college during the academic year September 2026 – July 2027
They should have a genuine interest in applying for a Network Rail or other engineering apprenticeships when they finish school and have achieved a minimum 4 x GCSEs (minimum of a 5 in GCSE Maths and a minimum of 4 in English & Science/Engineering and a minimum of 4 in another subject)
Students must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Eligible for Pupil Premium or free school meals prior to or during sixth form
- Current recipient of sixth-form bursary
- Care experienced
- Young carer
- First generation to attend university in their family
Where is this delivered?
One virtual workshop and four in-person workshops at Square One, Network Rail’s Manchester office. Students muct be able to attend the workshops at Square One Network Rail Office in Manchester.
Gatsby benchmarks
Learning from career and labour market information
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Make an enquiry
Step 1 - Phone our Schools Engagement Team
Phone our Schools Engagement Team on 0207 148 0934 to check eligibility*.
*Places are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis to schools in our target cohort (higher than average numbers of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding).