PlanBEE flyer 2023

TALENT
RECRUITMENT
THAT
WORKS.
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION
AND MANAGEMENT
HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
PlanBEE aims to attract talented, bright young
people with an interest in design, construction
and management.
The Higher Apprenticeship programme
has been designed by employers to solve
the industry’s skills shortage and meet
the demand for a more flexible,
adaptable and technologically
skilled workforce.

THE PROGRAMME
The PlanBEE campaign was instigated by Ryder
Architecture in 2013 to change the way education
is delivered in the built environment.
It’s supported by a consortium of more than
50 businesses representing a wide range of
professional disciplines including architects,
engineers and builders.
100%
OF
EMPLOYERS
say young people have
developed a broader set
of skills for the industry.

The Higher Apprenticeship programme focuses on
the technical and managerial aspects of design
and construction and is accredited with HNC and
HND qualifications. It combines study with working
for some of the construction industry’s leading
companies.
There are five study themes:
• Leadership
• Economics
• Design
• Technology
• Production
The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and
digital tools is a key skill developed throughout, with
delivery supported by BIM Academy.

WORK EXPERIENCE
The PlanBEE programme runs over a two-year
period and apprentices undertake six work
placements of four months with different sponsor
companies. They gain a broad and varied
experience working in different roles and typically
get exposure to architecture, civil and services
engineering, quantity surveying and construction
management.
Apprentices undertake real work and are treated as
full time employees. They spend four days a week at
work and one day at college. The programme is
enhanced by sponsor lectures, professional
mentoring, residential activities, site visits, technical
challenges and competitions.
On completion of the programme, sponsors are
able to fill skilled vacancies with PlanBEE graduates.
91%
OF
EMPLOYERS
gave an overall positive
response to the quality
of apprentices on the
programme.

91%
OF
EMPLOYERS
agreed that PlanBEE
apprentices had made
a valuable contribution
to the business.
“All I knew was that I wanted to work in the industry
and what attracted me to PlanBEE was the fact that it
provides extensive exposure to the various skills
involved in the construction industry.
“I would definitely recommend the course. Instead of
attending university for a degree in an area that I
might not have enjoyed, PlanBEE gave me an insight
into the various disciplines so I could understand better
what I wanted to do in the future.”
Ayman Abdulgabar, PlanBEE Manchester
graduate now working as a trainee quantity
surveyor with Turner & Townsend.

THE BENEFITS
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
A cost effective and innovative way to recruit
and develop talented young people.
Intensive Higher Apprenticeship designed by
employers that meets industry needs.
Focus on Leadership, Economics, Design,
Technology and Production.
Broad content designed to ensure greater
understanding and appreciation of
multi-disciplinary roles and collaborative
working.
97%
OF
GRADUATES
have progressed to
permanent roles in
the sector.
“We have been involved with PlanBEE since 2018 and
are avid supporters of the programme and the
opportunities it brings to apprentices and future
graduates in the region. It’s an excellent teaching
programme and the calibre of apprentices that come
out of the scheme and those we have taken on have
been extremely high.”
Phillip Hilton-West, Associate Director at
Black & White Engineering.

SPONSORS
Supported by a consortium of more than
50 businesses in Manchester, London and
the North East including architects, engineers
and builders.

FOR MORE
INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Steve Logan
Project Director
Gateshead College
Steve.logan@gateshead.ac.uk
Dr Isabel Williams
Senior Learning and Development Lead
Ryder Architecture
IWilliams2@ryderarchitecture.com