PlanBEE London

PlanBEE London is a new and unique higher apprenticeship programme in Design, Construction and Management delivered in partnership with the London School of Architecture (LSA), Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College.

It builds on the nationally award-winning PlanBEE programme which has been running successfully in the North East for 7 years and in Manchester since 2021.

You’ll earn and learn with some of the leading employers in the built environment sector. PlanBEE London 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.

Your network is as important as your education and the nature of the apprenticeship means that you will have the opportunity to get a head start on traditional university students by building relationships with a wide range of contacts in the construction industry.

You’ll study one day a week at the London School of Architecture and spend four days a week working for one of our sponsor employers.

During the 2-year 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.

From the moment you join, you'll be a valuable member of the team that will help address some of the major societal and environmental challenges the city faces and we'll make sure your work is well rewarded. 

So, we won’t just train you for a well-paid career; we’ll pay you a salary from day one.

With a starting salary of circa £25,000 per year, you’ll also benefit from a pension plan and a generous holiday entitlement every year.

PlanBEE London is part of the LSA’s 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.

Our sponsor partners include:

  • Ryder Architecture
  • Bowmer & Kirkland
  • DESCO
  • Cundall
  • Fletcher Priest Architects
  • MESH
  • Plan A Consultants
  • Cast Consultancy
  • Morgan Sindall
  • Trivandi

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 and future careers.

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 the London School of Architecture and 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 with each module ending in an integrated team based project:

  • Leadership
  • Economics
  • Design
  • Technology
  • Production

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 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 submitting an application.

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

Applications for September 2024 will re-open in summer 2024.

Step 1: Application

Complete and submit your application form when applications re-open in summer 2024.

Step 2: Shortlisting

We will shortlist your form against the set criteria. If you meet the criteria you will be invited for interview and assessment.

Step 3: Interview & Assessment

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to take part in our Assessment Centre. Subject to successful completion of the assessments, you will then be invited to a formal interview with a panel of employers.

Step 4: Success - you've got the job!

If you're successful in securing a place, we’ll contact you within 1 week from your interview with the good news.

Don’t worry if you don’t manage to get a place, we’ll work with you to advise you on other options available to you.


Applications for September 2024 will re-open in summer 2024.

If you're interested in applying for our PlanBEE London programme starting this September, click here to give us your details and we'll be in touch when applications re-open in summer 2024.