PlanBEE sponsors, Cundall and Desco, reflect on how PlanBEE has made them rethink how they recruit young people.
PlanBEE (Plan for Built Environment Education) is an apprenticeship with a difference; it runs over a two year period, offering a series of six work placements. Students are paid a salary and get exposure to architecture, civil, building services, engineering, quantity surveying and construction management, spending four days a week at work and one day at college.
Ahead of the new apprentice cohort starting in September, we spoke with Paul Sperring, associate director at Cundall, and David Starbuck, board director at Desco, to understand what gives PlanBEE the edge over other apprenticeship programmes.
Why did you become a sponsor for PlanBEE?
Cundall was one of the first organisations in the UK to join PlanBEE as a sponsor. I very much like the rotational aspect of PlanBEE. Over two years, each apprentice spends four months with different organisations respectively, gaining diverse experiences across placements. This not only fosters a comprehensive understanding of disciplines in the built environment but also helps them discover where their skills and interests lie.
We have been impressed by the apprentices we’ve hosted at Cundall in recent years—so much so that we’ve wanted to keep each one after their rotation with us!
Previously, we predominantly worked with graduates, but PlanBEE apprentices are now an integral part of our early careers recruitment as they bring as much value to us as our graduates. PlanBEE apprentices balance work and study at the same time, which is hard work, yet each one has shown remarkable commitment and investment. We have previously taken one apprentice at a time, however for 2024 we are excited to take on two.
Is PlanBEE designed to replicate real work?
Yes, however the programme goes beyond that. At Cundall, we integrate our apprentices into project teams where they work on actual projects and engage in every stage of the development process. We are also invested in teaching soft skills, such as communication, time management, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Soft skills are crucial for any occupation, especially for apprentices who are new to the professional world – building and developing these skills over time provides a competitive edge. Most jobs require hard and technical skills that can be learnt in the classroom, but it’s important to understand the importance of human interaction and developing those skills is essential and will benefit them throughout their careers.
Do you get involved in the interview process for your apprentices?
We like to be involved from the start and work closely with the PlanBEE team at Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College on the application and interview process. I am always impressed with the level of students who apply and are selected for the programme. Being able to earn while you learn is an amazing incentive and for those young people with a passion for construction or wishing to know more about the industry, PlanBEE is the ideal place to start.
How many PlanBEE apprentices go on to secure work after completing the programme?
PlanBEE has a 98% success rate in apprentices securing permanent employment and progressing to professional careers in the built environment, with over 100 apprentices graduating to date. I highly recommend that companies looking to take on an apprentice give PlanBEE a try.
Why did you become a sponsor for PlanBEE?
Desco has to date sponsored 14 PlanBEE apprentices since the first cohort in 2016. We are passionate about investing in the future, which is why it is important for Desco to support young people and bring new people and new skills into the industry.
It is also important for these young people to feel valued and part of the team. PlanBEE enables the apprentices to dive straight into real client projects – being an integral part of the project teams gives the apprentices a solid purpose. The concept of rotating through several employers over their two year apprenticeship allows them to see differing ways of working across different disciplines and which one(s) they like the most.
What type of work do apprentices get involved in at Desco?
Everything! We involve our apprentices in all aspects of our projects, both in the office and on site. They meet clients, attend project meeting and integrate into the team just like any other employee.
Most recently, one of our apprentices in London has been supporting a large development for a new leisure centre. We have extensive experience in the design of sport and leisure facilities at Desco, and this is a key client project for us. This allows the apprentice to understand new levels of responsibility and how their own part within the team influences the entire project.
What are the key benefits to you as an employer in using PlanBEE?
PlanBEE is a ready made programme with a proven, effective structure, with outstanding results and employability of graduates who secure permanent, full time employment within the industry.
For employers committed to supporting education and bringing young people into the construction workforce, PlanBEE works in parallel with both employers and education. It is an industry led initiative designed by employers who understand the shifting landscape of the construction sector and the skills gaps that need to be addressed.
The rigorous application and selection process ensures the right candidates join the programme. We’ve taken on 14 apprentices to date, and each one has shown exceptional quality, commitment, and drive. That’s why we continue to support PlanBEE.
91% of employers say apprentices have made a valuable contribution to the business. To find out more about the value apprenticeships can bring to your business, contact Peter Barker and Izzy Williams.
Images: Cundall and Desco