PlanBEEPlan for Built Environment Education
PlanBEE is an award winning higher apprenticeship, offering a more affordable and equitable route to professional careers in the built environment which is aligned to the needs of employers.
Constructing careers
In 2016, Ryder and Gateshead College launched PlanBEE—an intensive two year rotational apprenticeship in design, construction and management.
Earn and learn
Apprentices complete six consecutive placements, working and learning across architecture, engineering, surveying and construction based in leading built environment businesses, whilst gaining a higher education qualification and earning a salary from day one.
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. The programme is supported by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
PlanBEE currently offers apprenticeships with over sixty sponsor companies in the north east of England, Manchester, London, and Vancouver including: Arup, Cundall, Cast Consultancy, Fletcher Priest Architects, Gleeds, Mace, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine and Ryder.
Paul Sperring
Associate Director, Cundall
How does the programme work?
Apprentices work on live projects and are treated as full time employees during their time at each sponsor organisation.
The programme is enhanced by professional mentoring, site visits, technical challenges and competitions and the course has a strong digital emphasis and a curriculum incorporating green skills, MMC, retrofit and building safety. Apprentices spend four days per week at work, and study for their apprenticeship qualification plus a HNC and HND qualification one day per week through a Gateshead College course, covering:
Leadership
Economics
Design
Technology
Production
Peter Barker
Consultant, Ryder Architecture
Becoming a PlanBEE employer
Since Ryder sparked the concept of PlanBEE in 2013 to overcome barriers into built environment careers, the programme was initiated in 2016 and has continued to be developed by the sponsor employers to address industry needs.
PlanBEE is a cost effective and innovative way to recruit and develop talented young people, who have a genuine passion and curiosity to work the sector.
To find out more about the value apprenticeships can bring to your business, contact Izzy Williams.
Becoming a PlanBEE apprentice
Many students, after completing their GCSE (Level 2) and A Level (or equivalent Level 3) qualifications, are unsure if university is the right path for them. PlanBEE is an alternative qualification to the traditional university route, designed with employability in mind.
Applicants should have a genuine enthusiasm about developing a career in the AEC sector. Employers seek people who are analytical, methodical and good at solving problems, as well as articulate, driven and a fast learner.
Eliza Taylor
PlanBEE Apprentice
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