From the moment you join this programme, you’ll be a valued member of the team and we’ll make sure your work is well rewarded.
PlanBEE North East is a unique higher apprenticeship programme in Design, Construction and Management delivered in partnership with Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College.
You’ll earn and learn with some of the leading employers in the built environment sector. The programme offers you a real alternative to full-time university and will prepare you for a career in architecture, engineering, building services and construction/site management with a strong emphasis on digital skills and collaborative working.
As part of the programme you’ll rotate around a number of different employers so you get a flavour of the wide variety of roles in the industry including architecture, building engineering and construction/site management all with a strong emphasis on digital skills, before choosing what you enjoy the most.
We won’t just train you for a well-paid career; we’ll pay you a competitive salary of circa £22k+ from day one. You’ll also benefit from a pension plan and a generous holiday entitlement, every year.
You will complete a Higher Apprenticeship programme in Design, Construction and Management, underpinned by HNC/D, providing a pathway to progression at a wide range of universities.
The programme is supported by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You’ll spend one day a week studying at Gateshead College’s Skills Academy for Construction, developing your knowledge in building design and performance through a combination of lectures, tutorials, field work and site visits.
There are five areas of study are:
Throughout your apprenticeship you will be developing a range of skills and behaviours which are key to the various roles in the construction sector.
You’ll gain knowledge in building design, design process, construction technology, digital skills, health and safety and building performance alongside transferable skills like team working, leadership, innovation and communication.
The programme lasts 2 years and offers a real alternative to full-time university. It will help you forge careers in a variety of roles which will change and evolve as your career progresses.
This programme is open to anyone aged 18 and over with a passion for design, construction and leadership.
It’s not for the faint hearted; the pace will be fast and you will be expected to excel in your development so you can progress to the next stage.
You should have already completed GCSE (Level 2) and A Level (or equivalent Level 3) study and be eligible to apply for university level study in the UK.
You need 3 A Levels at grade C and above or a BTEC Extended Diploma (averaging merits/distinctions), or the equivalent of 96 UCAS points plus GCSE Maths, Science and English at grade 4 (C) or above.
Beyond your academic qualifications, we’ll be looking for evidence that you’re genuinely enthusiastic about developing a career in construction – what are your favourite buildings or structure, and why?
You’ll be analytical, methodical and good at solving problems, as well as articulate, driven and a fast learner.
To join PlanBEE you must be eligible to live and work in the UK before applying.
If you have already completed a degree level programme in a similar field you will not be eligible to join PlanBEE.
Applications are now closed.
If you’re interested in joining the programme in September 2025, please click here and we’ll be in touch when applications open in the summer.