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 and Manchester. 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.
PLANBEE sponsor FAQs
What’s the commitment to becoming a PlanBEE sponsor?
Sponsors host apprentices on four-month placements over the two-year programme, provide a workplace mentor, attend monthly online sponsor meetings and join end-of-placement presentation events.
How do PlanBEE placements work?
Over two years, you’ll host six different apprentices, each for around four months. Apprentices typically spend four days a week with your business and one day at college.
What do apprentices do when they’re on placement?
PlanBEE apprentices get involved in real projects and workplace activities that help them develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully complete their Higher Apprenticeship.
Do sponsors need to attend meetings?
Yes. Sponsors are asked to attend a monthly online meeting to share feedback, track apprentice progress and help shape the programme.
What are end-of-placement presentations?
At the end of each placement, apprentices showcase the projects they’ve been working on, allowing sponsors to see the growth of the cohort and spot potential future recruits.
Does each apprentice need a mentor?
Yes. Every apprentice should have a workplace mentor who can provide day-to-day support, guidance and supervision during their placement.
Can I sponsor more than one apprentice at a time?
Yes, sponsors can host multiple apprentices at the same time, subject to having the capacity, suitable work opportunities and mentoring support in place.
What does it cost to become a sponsor?
Sponsors cover the apprentice salary plus a small monthly administration fee.
Can sponsors recruit apprentices after the programme?
Yes. That’s what PlanBEE is all about. Sponsors can see the development of apprentices over the course of the programme and where there’s a good fit, offer them a permanent role on completion.
“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.”