We’re proud to share that Parallel Project Training, in partnership with Network Rail, has won Developmental Programme of the Year at the 2026 APM Education & Research Awards.
This award recognises the impact of a pioneering collaboration that is accelerating the development of the next generation of project leaders in the rail industry – and delivering measurable, lasting results.
A partnership built on real-world impact
At the heart of this award-winning entry is Network Rail’s Project Management Graduate Scheme, a two-year, industry-leading programme designed to develop capable, confident project managers ready to lead complex rail projects.
In 2023, Network Rail partnered with Parallel to redesign how project management capability is developed within the Scheme. Together, we embedded a 15-week Project Management Development Programme that bridges the gap between theory and practice by combining:
- Competency-based learning aligned to the APM Competence Framework
- The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
- Real-world Network Rail application modules
- Senior leader engagement and mentoring
The result is a fully integrated learning experience that doesn’t just teach project management – it builds confident professionals who can apply it in one of the UK’s most complex operational environments.
From learning to leadership
Graduates on the Scheme rotate through diverse placements across Network Rail, gaining hands-on experience on real, high-impact projects. Parallel’s programme supports this through structured workshops, application modules tailored to rail, exam preparation, and a practical case study.
The Programme culminates in a “Dragons’ Den” style presentation, where graduate teams pitch delivery plans to senior rail leaders – testing not only technical competence, but collaboration, leadership and commercial thinking.
As Jeff Davies, Director – Rail Investment Centre of Excellence, commented:
“The Network Rail Project Management Graduate Programme represents continuous learning in action, reinventing itself to be relevant to the industry and the challenges presented.”
Inclusive by design
The award also recognises the Scheme’s inclusive recruitment approach, which is delivering outcomes that outperform both the rail industry and national averages:
- 41.7% women, compared to 18.9% across the rail sector
- 25.2% from an Ethnic Minority Group, exceeding both rail and UK workforce benchmarks
This diversity strengthens the future talent pipeline and supports the development of empathetic, strategically aware leaders.
Measurable results that matter
The judges were particularly impressed by the Programme’s robust evaluation framework, which tracked impact from learner experience through to organisational benefit.
The results speak for themselves:
- 8.8/10 overall programme satisfaction
- 80% PMQ pass rate, at least 10% above the national average
- 100% of graduates reported increased confidence and professional identity
- 100% apply methods and tools from the programme in their roles
- 83% progressed into Band 4 Project Manager leadership roles
Graduates are already leading significant projects, earning internal recognition, and driving cultural change through practices such as structured lessons learned and reflective working.
Strengthening the profession
Beyond individual outcomes, the Programme contributes to the wider profession. Graduates join the APM as Student members, with many progressing through membership levels – and a strong legacy of Chartered Project Professionals (ChPP).
Graduates are also acting as ambassadors for the industry, engaging in STEM outreach, Women in Rail initiatives, and early careers engagement, helping to shape the future workforce.
A shared achievement
Winning Developmental Programme of the Year is a shared success. It reflects Network Rail’s commitment to investing in people and Parallel Project Training’s mission to create learning that delivers real performance change – not just qualifications.
We’re incredibly proud of this partnership and of every graduate who has brought the programme to life through their commitment, curiosity and impact. Thank you to Network Rail, the graduates, mentors, and leaders who made this possible – and to the APM Education & Research Awards for recognising what great developmental programmes can achieve.
