PlanBEE – Enabling the future of the built environment
PlanBEE (Plan Built Environment Education) is a unique, two-year apprenticeship which offers aspiring engineers the opportunity to experience the wide variety of disciplines within the construction industry, whilst progressing with their academic studies.
The programme cuts through multiple sectors within the built environment, giving apprentices the opportunity to determine which direction they want to take their career.
The scheme was established to address a growing need, where employers were finding that graduates were leaving university without the diversity of skills needed to excel in the construction industry. Students aged 17 and 18 must choose their career path while knowing very little about the industry they are entering. A broader entry system was therefore needed to highlight the wide variety of career opportunities within the sector.
Working in collaboration with Gateshead College, PlanBEE apprentices work four days a week and receive extensive training and personal mentorship at the sponsor companies. Cundall is one of the founding companies, along with Ryder, Arup, Faulkner Browns, Brims, Sir Robert McAlpine, Tolent, 3E and Xsite. Over the course of two years the apprentices have six different working placements (each four months long), including architecture, civil/structural engineering, building services engineering, site management/engineering and quantity surveying. At the end of the course, they receive a Higher National Diploma in Design, Construction and Management. The apprentices can then apply for full-time employment at the companies they have worked with.
“I’m currently in my fifth placement, having completed previous placements at Ryder Architecture, Brims Construction, Desco, and now Cundall. I have gained a broad understanding of the different disciplines and have been lucky enough to work on initial concept designs, MEP proposals oversee onsite construction of a residential scheme. By combining the theoretical knowledge acquired at college with the practical skills gained in practise, I have developed a unique skillset to help jumpstart my career in construction.”
Adam Shirley, second year student currently on a Structural Engineering placement with Cundall
PlanBEE apprentices bring a variety of thought processes and backgrounds to their placements as a result of working for other disciplines. The knowledge of how an architect or site manager approaches the design or problem at hand is a huge benefit in the workplace. Cundall has found that the variety of knowledge and appreciation of the wider design team and the networks built over the course of the six placements is a huge asset for someone in the early stages of their career.
“From day one of my placement at Cundall, I was made to feel extremely welcome and part of the team. I was able to work on a variety of interesting projects while learning all about the discipline of structural engineering. The whole team supported me through my learning of new standards and software. Overall, it was an extremely positive and enjoyable experience which helped me develop professionally and personally.”
Robyn Taylor, first year PlanBEE student
Additionally, having experienced various aspects of the industry over the course of the two years, the apprentices can then choose to specialise in an area they are passionate about rather than having their career path decided at the age of 18 with no industry experience.
Georgina Moroney, who completed the PlanBEE program in 2021, joined Cundall as a permanent member of staff and is now a valued part of our civil and structural team working on projects across the North East. Georgina is also studying at university part-time to gain a degree in civil engineering and has already received recognition in the industry, receiving a QUEST scholarship from the Institute of Civil Engineers.
PlanBEE was awarded the Skills Initiative of the Year Award 2017. This led to PlanBEE being approached by Manchester City Council. The first Manchester cohort started their course in September 2021.
If you are considering a career in the construction industry and are interested in pursuing PlanBEE in either the North East or Manchester, further information can be found here
For any organisations wishing to know more, a sponsor's breakfast (including representatives from Cundall) is being held on Wednesday 9 February 2022. More information can be found here
