The concept of PlanBEE (Plan for Built Environment Education) originated in 2013 with an ambition to change the way education is delivered across the built environment. Fast forward almost a decade and this ambition is now a reality.
PlanBEE is a higher apprenticeship programme that allows its apprentices to experience a diverse mix of roles within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. This two year programme provides six work placements, with six different employers. Starting in the North East of England, PlanBEE now operates in the North East, Manchester and London, with an affiliated programme in Vancouver.
With over 70 sponsor employers across the UK, PlanBEE has provided over 700 placements, with 98% of apprentices moving on to full time employment with the built environment. As a result, PlanBEE is a proven, equitable and cost effective way to recruit and develop new professional talent into the sector.
The concept of PlanBEE was founded by Ryder Architecture, it began from an idea of how to encourage talented young people from more diverse backgrounds, to find an affordable and relevant pathway into the built environment as a future career path. Ryder partnered with Gateshead College and subsequently Manchester City Council and London School of Architecture (LSA) and together they combined their expertise in industry and education to form PlanBEE.
Steve Logan, Project Director at Gateshead College said: “The success of PlanBEE represents a remarkable achievement from both our learners and our sponsors. The level of success rates on progressing to full time employment is not only a testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work of our apprentices, but also to the exceptional support provided by our sponsors who have been instrumental in guiding and mentoring our learners throughout their apprenticeship journey.”
Peter Barker, Partner at Ryder, added: “At Ryder we are committed to building people’s potential, and apprenticeships are a superb way to gain practical experience. We are proud of our strong partnership with Gateshead College, Manchester City Council and LSA and the results we have produced together to bring so many young people into professional careers in the AEC sector.”
The results of the programme not only benefit the apprentices in gaining valuable new skills, but the sponsors equally gain new talented employees. 100% of PlanBEE apprentices said that the programme provided a valuable opportunity to work with excellent companies within the AEC sector. We also know that:
PlanBEE not only helps to alleviate the growing skills gap agenda in the AEC sector but helps to improve the breadth of understanding and empathy of the built environment profession, removing preconceptions of what are deemed typical construction roles.
Peter continued: “The programme has helped to increase the awareness and appreciation of the professional career opportunities in the built environment sector, not only for the young people of today, but for future generations by helping to breakdown silos and increasing knowledge and understanding of what different disciplines have to offer. PlanBEE has also provided a valuable source of future talent for the sponsor employers supporting the programme.
“The collaboration we have achieved between sponsor employers, Gateshead College and Ryder has been phenomenal, by working to like minded goals, we have successfully matched hundreds of talented young people with forward thinking employers who understand the value of apprenticeships.”
Upon completion of the programme PlanBEE graduates are encouraged to apply for roles within sponsor organisations, many of which have been successful. For example, PlanBEE graduates have joined the following sponsors in their new positions as:
Junior Civil / Structural Engineer at Cundall
Trainee Architect at Ryder Architecture
Trainee Architectural Technologist at Ryder Architecture
Trainee Architectural Technologist at Purcell Architects
Trainee Building Services Engineer at Black & White Engineering
Trainee Civil Engineer at Ramboll
Trainee Construction Manager at John Sisk & Sons Construction
Trainee Content and Data Author at NBS
Trainee Design Manager at Bowmer & Kirkland
Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Sir Robert McAlpine
Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Turner & Townsend
Trainee Site Engineer at Castle Building Services
Trainee Site Manager at Brims Construction
As PlanBEE expands with the growth in numbers of apprentices, there is a need to onboard more sponsor employers. PlanBEE is seeking more employers in London as demand in this region grows.
PlanBEE prioritises quality and collaboration, and in doing so it unlocks the full potential of what the built environment has to offer as a career path for young people. As the working environment of the AEC sector transitions, PlanBEE is equally as forward thinking and is agile in its ability to keep in step with change, whether that be environment, economic or technological – PlanBEE has a bright future and offers boundless opportunities for young people with an interest in all the built environment has to offer.
To learn more about becoming a PlanBEE sponsor, contact either Peter Barker or Izzy Williams.