PlanBEE: an innovative training programme

PlanBee is an innovative training programme providing North East construction professionals of the future with a new route into the industry. It was named winner in the Collaboration of the Year category at the AJ100 Awards 2018 last June.

We are one of the main sponsors of the PlanBEE initiative, which brings together architectural practices, engineers and project managers for an earn-as-you-learn training programme delivered in partnership with Gateshead College.

Launched in 2016, the scheme offers a new training model by providing students with the chance to work across several companies operating in different disciplines while completing their qualification. The aim is to provide trainees with a more rounded understanding of the built environment industry and to develop professionals with a new and broader set of skills.

It is expected that, as well as attracting bright new talent into the industry and helping plug the skills gap, the programme will create a more flexible workforce capable of working across various disciplines.

The programme reached a notable milestone this summer with the first students to graduate all securing full-time positions in the industry.