In 2016, Ryder created a Plan for Built Environment Education, now known as “PlanBEE”, by bringing together Gateshead College and key partners in the built environment sector 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.
PlanBEE focuses on the technical and managerial aspects of design and construction and is accredited by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and underpinned with HNC and HND qualifications at Level 4 and 5.
PlanBEE currently offers apprenticeships with over 70 sponsor companies in the North East, Manchester and London. PlanBEE would not be possible without the community of employer sponsors from varied disciplines coming together to collaborate on this innovative, shared apprenticeship.
Benefits
How does the PlanBEE programme work?
The PlanBEE programme runs over a two year period, with apprentices undertaking six work placements of four months each, with different sponsor organisations.
Each apprentice gains a broad and varied experience of working in different roles, with exposure to architecture, civil and services engineering, quantity surveying and construction management. PlanBEE apprentices work on real, 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.
On completion of the programme, sponsors are able to fill skilled vacancies with PlanBEE graduates.
What’s the commitment to becoming a sponsor?
PlanBEE Work Placement Rotations
Over the two years of the PlanBEE apprenticeship, each sponsor company will host six different apprentices for a period of approximately four months each.
Apprentices will normally be with you for four days per week and on one day they will attend college. Additionally, there will be some occasional periods of block training at college to work on special projects.
Monthly Meetings
PlanBEE sponsor meetings are held in each region every month and all sponsors are asked to ensure a representative attends these meetings which are held virtually via MS Teams so they can feedback on the progress of apprentices and contribute to the development and content of the apprenticeship.
End of Placement Presentations
At the end of each four-month placement sponsors are invited to attend a presentation event where all apprentices give a formal presentation about the work they have completed during the placement. This allows sponsors to see the development of the whole cohort of apprentices and not just those that they will see on placement in their company. Ultimately, it is a shop window of talent that sponsors may choose to offer permanent jobs to at the end of the programme.
Workplace Mentor
Every sponsor needs to ensure that the apprentice has a workplace mentor for the duration of their placement. The mentor will supervise the apprentice on a daily basis and provide direction, support and guidance.
Costs
The only cost to sponsors is the salary paid to apprentices, plus a small monthly admin fee. The salary cost for each apprentice will be linked to the National Living Wage.
“PlanBEE gives our practice early access to people who think across disciplines and understand how real projects work – not just in theory. That kind of perspective is hard to teach and it’s what sets these apprentices apart. We’ve seen them grow into valuable contributors, not just in terms of technical delivery, but in how they approach design problems, ask questions and work across teams. That blend of curiosity, professionalism and practical understanding is rare so early in a career.”