Project Management Degree Apprenticeship

About Us

At Colas Rail, we have over one hundred years of experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of train run on tracks built or maintained by Colas Rail.

We deliver on the challenges set by a rapidly changing railway environment - constantly seeking to adapt our behaviour and culture to not only meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders, but to also continuously develop and support our people.

Purpose of the Role

These programmes are designed to give you the skills, knowledge and experience to become a Project Lead / Project Manager.  As an Assistant Project Manager, you will work in a specific area of the business and will work on multi-million pound projects and deliver parts of key contracts and their associated activities from conception through to completion.

You will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills both on and off the job, by following our Route to Competence Framework for the Project Management pathway.  By doing this you will work towards becoming a Chartered Project Manager through the Association of Project Management.

Degree apprentices will balance their time by studying at a university and working in our business putting their skills into practice with live projects the team are working on.  

What I will be Focused on - Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager/Delivery Manager in leading and delivering successful projects/contracts, safely, on time and within budget. Also delivering against the Route to Competence for the Project Management pathway.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction are delivered at all times, work in a collaborative manner, engage regularly with the client and ensure they are continually updated on progress.
• Lead complex multidisciplinary project/contract activities and direct the project/delivery team to ensure delivery of work within agreed timescales according to the agreed quality and in line with safety rules and procedures. 
• Ensure best safety practices are being utilised during all site/depot/machine activities and any non-compliant materials or workmanship is reported following the correct process.
• Ensure contracted works do not compromise the safe operation of the Railway system and that of the safety of passengers, staff and public.
• Support the project manager/delivery manager in all matters related to the successful delivery of the project/contract.
• Forecast and monitor project costs; identify and highlight any deviation from the budget & plan in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain project management controls including risk and change management.
• Work with the project team to ensure that everyone works in a collaborative, open and honest manner with all stakeholders – liaising regularly with subcontractors, client and any relevant third parties where required.
• Attend all the relevant Graduate Development Training ensuring the learning gets delivered in the workplace.
• Complete the Business Challenge when requested.
• As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements. 
• Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time. 

About You - Person Specification

• You have completed your A-Levels by July 2024
• You are able to drive or will have completed your driving test by August 2024
• You will be able to collaborate as part of a team
• You have good verbal and written communication skills
• You show an interest and drive to be part of the Rail Industry
• You can work independently and in a team using your own initiative

Colas Rail in the United Kingdom hold three core values: Care, Share and Dare. We take care of our employees, always ensuring safety is a top priority and we nurture our collective wellbeing.

We share a passion for what we do, celebrate our achievements and value high standards like nowhere else. We dare to take on new challenges; we are one of the international leaders in our industry. We continually innovate and expand in new markets.

We value and encourage diversity in our workforce, regardless of background, disability, age, religion, or gender. As part of our aim to deliver quality services, we are committed to promoting equality and eliminating discrimination.

We will create a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We are committed to the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

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