Reinvention 2026
Ryder Architecture and its partners Northumbria University and University of the Built Environment are calling for a radical rethink of built environment education.
A new built environment education model for a changing world
In 2018 an industry consortium led by Ryder Architecture published Reinvention: For an Exceptional Construction Industry a campaign for positive change in the built environment. Much has changed in the intervening period – COVID, the Moore-Bick enquiry into the Grenfell disaster, international conflicts and socio-economic volatility. The time is right to revisit progress and recalibrate solutions.
A series of manifestos since 1994 endeavoured to diagnose the endemic failings of the sector – Latham, Egan, Wolstenholme, Farmer. They found that fragmentation, short termism and a lack of collaboration and innovation were holding us back. They advocated strategies to address productivity and quality through regulation, technology, procurement and insurance. But there has been no significant and lasting impact. Indeed, the 2024 Moore-Bick report on Grenfell reveals the culmination of these failures in competence, legislation, behaviours and contracts and exposes their catastrophic effects.
These seemingly insoluble issues demand a radical and sustainable response. Rather than seeking answers in technology, legislation and process, a more fundamental and sustainable solution is needed – one that fosters a culture of collaboration between built environment employers and education to create a new generation equipped with modern skills who are resilient, embrace innovation and thrive on team working. The new government white paper “Invest 2035: The UK Modern Industrial Strategy” recognises that severe skills shortages need to be addressed if we are to meet demand in our growth sectors and create equity across our regions.
A new educational apprenticeship model for the built environment is therefore needed, rooted in interdisciplinary, work based learning and developing skills relevant to the future of the industry.
The built environment underpins national prosperity, yet it continues to suffer from decades of fragmentation, underinvestment and short termism. We’ve had enough diagnosis and speculation. It’s time to act and the starting point must be education.
The solution isn't hypothetical
In 2016, an interdisciplinary consortium, including Arup, Cundall, Turner and Townsend and Sir Robert McAlpine, led by Ryder Architecture, established a Plan for Built Environment Education. This led to the creation of the award winning PlanBEE apprenticeship and a complementary degree apprenticeship qualification at Level 6.
The Level 4-5 apprenticeship now operates in Manchester, London, Newcastle and Vancouver. It provides salaried industry experience and education for young people, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, into professional built environment careers, acquiring the latest skills and cross disciplinary experience through rotational work placements with a range of industry employers.
With more than 150 graduates to date, 98% of whom have progressed into professional careers, this programme has fundamental principles which provide an inclusive and affordable route to build the professional workforce of the future.
We have seen encouraging results globally from other transformative education models that embrace an interdisciplinary work based approach – in Finland and Germany, cross curricular models break down the subject based compartmentalisation of knowledge and explore real world challenges from multiple perspectives.
Actions speak louder than words
Rather than debating issues in an endless cycle of talking shops, this proven educational template demonstrates that employers acting together with educators make a real difference. We are calling on industry leaders, clients, educational institutions, and professional bodies to build on this proven success and recognise that education lies absolutely at the heart of the future of our industry. We can combine our unique strengths to revolutionise education in the built environment whilst broadening inclusion and opportunity to access the untapped talent of the future.
Reinvention is already in motion. Ryder in partnership with Northumbria University, University of the Built Environment and other learning providers has led a government-sponsored apprentice Trailblazer group including Arup, Laing O’Rourke, Vinci and CIOB, to develop a Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Design, Construction and Management.
Created in partnership with Skills England, this builds on the PlanBEE approach and will produce professionals fluent in collaboration from day one. The qualification has completed its design and awaits final government approval of its funding band, yet the ongoing restructuring of apprenticeships by the government is preventing its launch.
“It’s ready to go,” says Barker. “Every month of delay means lost opportunity – for young people, for employers, for the economy.”
We are calling for employers and educators to invest in this transformative approach by making the job opportunities available and by adopting and delivering this apprenticeship. To join the conversation, make a commitment and have a positive impact on the future of the built environment, please contact reinvention@ryderarchitecture.com.