National Apprenticeship Week 2025

To celebrate this year’s theme ‘Skills for Life’ we’re highlighting the opportunities that built environment apprenticeships have given to our people. Not only developing rewarding careers for themselves, but contributing to a workforce with future ready skills.

Ryder is the lead sponsor for the award winning PlanBEE higher apprenticeship programme in partnership with Gateshead College, and currently host apprentices in four of our offices, Newcastle, Manchester, London and Vancouver. We proactively enhance their experience by contributing guest lectures, organising workshops, providing opportunities for site visits and inviting them to speak at events.

We also support and nurture colleagues studying their Level 7 architecture degree apprenticeship across five of our UK offices, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Bristol and Newcastle. We supplement this with a range of other hybrid working and learning schemes in order to welcome a wider cohort into built environment education.

Miles Brown, Architectural Trainee
The apprenticeship allows for a superb balance of academic work alongside developing ourselves on active projects in Ryder. My experience through the third year of the apprenticeship has seen me focus on the Pilgrim’s Quarter development. A typical working week includes two study days focusing on early stage development work at university, two days in Cooper’s Studios working through project deliverables, and one day at the Bowmer + Kirkland site office allowing experience of stage 5 construction and coordination with subcontractors. I look forward to completing master’s this year and commencing Part 3 in September.

Ava Wong, PlanBEE Apprentice
My PlanBEE experience has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Currently in my second placement of six, I feel that I’ve developed so much as a person already. I’ve worked on some fascinating projects and worked with a range of people across roles including engineering, quantity surverying, site management, planning and architecture. This has given me valuable perspective across fields which will be beneficial for my future career. I look forward to further expanding my knowledge and skills throughout the rest of my PlanBEE journey.

Abi Catchpole, Architect
PlanBEE offers a fresh approach to built environment education, providing a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience. As a mentor, I’ve seen the programme support personal development while shaping well rounded candidates. The emphasis on multidisciplinary placements expands students’ knowledge and skillsets across the construction sector, from design and procurement to construction.

The blend of structured learning and hands on industry placements helps students make informed career choices, while also preparing them for the workplace or further education. PlanBEE graduates are not only confident and professional but also personable. Many maintain connections with mentors and colleagues, often crossing paths on live projects long after completing the course.

Mark Thompson, Managing Partner
Ryder has supported apprentices for many years. In fact, some of the current leadership team started their careers in this way. It’s been inspirational to see young people join the practice straight from school, wide eyed and naïve to the diverse and exciting opportunities across the industry, and grow into competent, confident professionals fulfilling a range of roles.

The on the job, practical training provided to apprentices can really accelerate their careers. Because they start so young, apprenticeships also tend to build longer lasting relationships, commitment and loyalty – beneficial to both Ryder and the apprentice.

Adriana Negrila, Architectural Trainee
I’m currently in the final year of the Level 7 architect apprenticeship at Oxford Brookes University, while also completing my Part 3 seminars through the accelerated route. This unique combination of research driven design and industry practice has been instrumental in shaping my development, enhancing my confidence and expanding my knowledge. Over the past three years, I’ve evolved into an individual ready to take on increased responsibility and look forward to contributing to the future of the built environment. My academic research on Community Cross-Pollination has deepened my understanding of social architecture and further ignited my passion for creating meaningful, impactful built form.

Victor Muniz, Director
Since the formation of our new team in London in 2023, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring three apprentices: Adriana Negrila, Ben Bampilis, and Claudia Turley who are currently completing their apprenticeships at Oxford Brookes University, Nottingham University, and Cambridge University, respectively. The entire team is eagerly anticipating their upcoming completion of Part 3 studies. It’s taken effective planning to balance their varied schedules, coordinate university days, study leave, design intensives, and residential commitments while ensuring that our projects remain well resourced. Adriana, Ben and Claudia have received outstanding marks and feedback from their tutors, and their proactive approach has significantly contributed to a smooth and productive workflow.

I’m incredibly proud of my apprentices, who bring fresh perspectives from their studies while gaining hands on experience in real world projects. This dynamic exchange has been beneficial for both their academic and professional growth and I look forward to continuing to support them in their journeys as they move toward becoming fully qualified architects.

Freyja Lehnen, Architectural Trainee
I’m now in my second year of the degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University. It has enabled me to gain significant practical experience that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to through the traditional route. Working alongside my studies has had such a positive impact on my uni work, and I have a much more holistic understanding of architecture. I’m looking forward to the final two years of the course with the confidence that this was the right choice for me.

Mark Clasper, Partner
The architectural degree apprenticeship course at Northumbria University combines the traditional Part 2 and 3 components of architectural education and offers tangible benefits to both Evelina as the apprentice and Ryder as the employer. The process requires a good level of open communication and careful resource planning to ensure that Evelina can develop necessary skills whilst working on live projects. Evelina is in her second year at Northumbria University and has been a fantastic asset to the team since completing her Part 1 year out placement. She has been supporting on projects across RIBA stages including the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University as Ryder’s client and Preston Park Museum, a new exhibition and gallery for Stockton Borough Council.

Martin Kendall, Partner
Following on from Alex successfully completing his apprenticeship in 2024 and qualifying as an architect, Samassi is currently progressing through his third year at the University of West of England. As someone who has progressed through a part time study route, I can fully appreciate the pressures for the student, but also the need for the employer to keep reviewing and setting new goals to ensure parity between workplace and academic experiences. The rounded skills that Samassi will have at the end of the process, which for me are only achievable through a combined work/study process, are key to his future success

Eva Crozier, PlanBEE Apprentice
During my time with PlanBEE, I’ve gained extensive knowledge and skills across the built environment, including building services, building physics, architecture, medical practices, and construction management. In one year, I’ve led small design projects and supported management of the UK’s largest gigabyte factory construction. I’ve also improved by soft and hard skills and made industry connections. PlanBEE is an excellent initiative for supporting your professional development and is setting the foundation for my career within healthcare design.

Paul Bell, Partner
Lois is now into her third year of her degree apprenticeship at Oxford Brookes. She continues her integral role in developing our Liverpool Green Lanes project and has led numerous community engagement activities with local stakeholders and schools. We received excellent feedback on the workshops which is testament to Lois’ organisation and leadership. She has also been supporting other significant projects including the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Academic Health Science Centre for the University of Liverpool.

Mohammad Umar, PlanBEE Apprentice
PlanBEE has been amazing for my career. Mentoring by leading industry figures on key projects, such as the Our Town Hall project in Manchester, has allowed me to develop many skills and gain a vast understanding of the industry. My development has been propelled by invaluable advice and wonderful opportunities. Now, I am confident in my ability to excel in whatever task is in front of me. I look forward to continuing my career in the industry upon completion of PlanBEE.

Learn more about how Ryder is widening access to qualifications in the built environment in our Professional Pathways brochure.

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