Boosting STEM talent development through industry collaboration

Providing pathways into the industry for young people should never be an after-thought. At SYSTRA, it is considered fundamental if we want the transport and infrastructure industry to continue thriving.

Ensuring opportunities and a sustainable talent pipeline promotes diversity and fresh perspectives, drives innovation, and ultimately enhances project success. Put simply – it safeguards the future of the industry.

Inspiring the next generation of up-and-coming industry professionals, and helping them throughout their journey, is a priority for us. We offer a clear route forward for those that want to build meaningful careers shaping our built and natural environment. We are keen to encourage those who want to make a positive impact on communities in the UK, Ireland, and across the globe.

Through our Graduate Development Programme, Level 3 apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, we provide on-the-job experience alongside industry-leading specialists, and exciting opportunities to get stuck into diverse multidisciplinary projects.

Collboration is key

We’re acutely aware that talent development can’t be achieved in isolation.

Cross-business collaboration provides broader exposure to projects, practices and business cultures for early careers professionals. In-turn, this broadens skillsets, provides richer learning opportunities, and increases awareness of the variety and scope on offer within the industry.

Joint venture projects are an excellent example of this. Early careers colleagues get to work with, and learn from, professionals across different companies that have aligned project goals. This offers the benefit of developing both their technical and communication skills.

The success of our early careers colleagues working on HS2 and the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), are a shining example of this.

A unified approach towards outreach activities, such as STEM events and school and charity partnerships, can also demonstrate the industry’s broad range of opportunities. It highlights a genuine commitment to innovation and professional development, ultimately making the industry more attractive and accessible.

The creation of sector and industry-wide development schemes facilitated by different companies, opens doors, offers structured progression routes, and provides well-rounded, holistic training for young talent.

Making a difference with the PlanBEE Rail apprenticeship scheme

As a proud founding member of the scheme, our work with PlanBEE Rail demonstrates our commitment to supporting the development of new talent through industry collaboration.

PlanBEE Rail is a unique shared apprenticeship programme, launched in 2024 by Network Rail, it’s supply chain partners, Gateshead College and The National Skills Academy for Rail.

The goal is to attract the next generation of project managers across the rail industry. Together, we hope to address the industry’s skills shortages and meet demands for more flexible, collaborative and integrated working environments.

Over the course of two years, apprentices on the scheme undertake four six-month placements with leading employers such as SYSTRA. By rotating between companies, the apprentices gain a wide breadth of experience and get a flavour for the variety of project management roles on offer in the industry.

The scheme is incredibly valuable, not only for the apprentices taking part, but also for our colleagues who can upskill both their technical and soft skills through mentorship.

Hear from Joe and Racheal on their experience on the scheme at SYSTRA.

Industry collaboration is leading the way in nurturing the next generation of talent and future-ready leaders. We want to ensure the continued growth of the transport and infrastructure sector.

By working together we have the capacity and insight to provide richer learning experiences, a wider range of opportunities, and even more robust pathways for early careers professionals. 

At SYSTRA, we remain committed to championing and expanding these collaborative forces, whether through our joint ventures or via talent development initiatives such as PlanBEE Rail. 

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