PlanBEE

PlanBEE was launched in 2013.

This industry driven, higher level skills programme, was inspired by Ryder Architecture who identified a skills and talent gap in the sector.

They brought together Gateshead College and key players in the industry to develop a programme which would prepare people for a career in a broad range of technical and professional roles in architecture, engineering, building services and construction/site management and provide an alternative route into these jobs than via university.

In the North East, the programme is now supported by a consortium of more than 20 local and national businesses representing a wide range of professional disciplines including architects, contractors, engineers, surveyors and digital construction specialists.

It has won several awards and been successful in developing a fantastic pool of new talent who are now working across the sector.

PlanBEE Manchester was launched in 2021. Developed in partnership with Manchester City Council, Manchester Life, Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College, the programme builds on the successful higher apprenticeship models that have been running in both the North East and North West.

In 2023 PlanBEE London was introduced. Delivered in partnership with the London School of Architecture, PlanBEE links to their Part 0 initiative which aims to raise awareness and give young people and those looking for a career change, access to the wide variety of careers in the built environment sector.

Launched in 2024, PlanBEE Rail is a new programme designed for the rail sector.

This new Higher Apprenticeship programme is designed to recruit and train our next generation of multidisciplinary project managers, with the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most innovative infrastructure projects.

To join PlanBEE you must be eligible to live and work in the UK before submitting an application.

If you have already completed a degree level programme you will not be eligible to join PlanBEE.

PlanBEE now offers four programmes: