Have you heard of the PlanBEE Apprenticeship? The brainchild of Ryder Architecture & Gateshead College, PlanBEE is a two-year apprenticeship with a difference, and we’re thrilled to be supporting it. ‘PlanBEE’ stands for ‘Plan for Built Environment Education’ and focuses on getting young people into employment (which has so far seen a 98% success rate!).
This programme sees candidates rotate through six work placements, exposing them to different aspects of the construction sector, including architecture, quantity surveying, construction management and more.
Our first PlanBEE apprentice, Kat Akogba, has recently joined us in Head Office in her first placement as a Built Environment Apprentice. She will be with us for 3 months before moving to her next placement. So, at the start of her first placement, we caught up with her to get an idea of how she’s getting on and where she hopes this apprenticeship will take her:
Q: Where were you before this? What is your professional background?
A: “I jumped straight from college into the industry, so I’m a bit of a newcomer! I completed a few internships, but nothing quite like this immersive experience.”
Q: What are your career goals and aspirations?
A: “I was leaning towards a career in architecture, but I see this apprenticeship as my “try before you buy” opportunity. It’s a fantastic chance to explore different sectors and discover what truly resonates with me. I’m thrilled to be part of it!”
Q: How did you find out about PlanBEE?
A: “I stumbled upon PlanBEE while searching for architecture apprenticeships online. I wasn’t entirely sure if architecture was the right path for me, so once I found PlanBEE I knew it was a perfect opportunity for me, so I can get experience in all the sectors in the built environment.”
Q: What was the interview process like?
A: “While I didn’t have a direct interview with Gratte Brothers, the PlanBEE application was quite the adventure! It involved an online application, a written report, and a maths exam that had me sweating bullets. After a few weeks of nail-biting anticipation, I was thrilled to receive the acceptance call!”
Q: Where are you going after Gratte Brothers?
A: “Next up is a placement at Ryder Architecture! I’m excited to dive into the architecture world and see what it’s really about. I can’t wait to collaborate with architects and gain hands-on experience!”
Q: Has anything surprised you so far?
A: “Absolutely! I’ve discovered a wealth of professions in this field I never knew existed. For instance, I met a lift designer—who knew that was a thing?! It’s been eye-opening to learn how many roles contribute to bringing a building to life. I thought it was just architects and engineers, but the reality is much more complex and fascinating!”
Q: Which qualifications will you achieve through your apprenticeship?
A: “I’m on track to earn my HNC (higher national certificate) and HND (higher national diploma), paving the way for a range of university options and future career opportunities.”
Q: Have you met anyone else doing PlanBEE?
A: “Yes! During our induction week, I met all my fellow cohorts in Newcastle, which was great for building connections as we navigate this journey together. We also have weekly college sessions, so while I haven’t met others outside of that yet, I’m sure I’ll get to know them better soon!”
Gratte Brothers’ Learning & Development Advisor, Georgia Bonsor, commented that;
“Gratte Brothers becoming a Sponsor for the PlanBEE scheme shows the commitment to empower the next generation and foster an environment where growth, curiosity, and knowledge flourish. I take pride in providing the mentorship and support necessary to help our apprentices thrive. This includes identifying learning opportunities and advocating for the tools and frameworks that enable continuous development alongside their academic learning. Through this scheme we will nurture future talent and have a transformative impact on their lives and careers. I wish all our apprentices the very best of luck!”
The programme follows the structure of a traditional apprenticeship; apprentices work towards qualifications through a mix of on-the-job experience and college days. The first placement lasts for 3 months, and then subsequent placements are 4 months each, up to the 2 year completion milestone. Apprenticeships are something we’re very used to managing, with over 40 apprentices currently in-situ across the Group. As well as the combination of theory and practical learning, each apprentice has direct access to an experienced mentor within their team. Kat and the future PlanBEE apprentices will have the same setup while with us, benefitting from the wealth of expertise and experience within our teams, and getting hands on with projects.
We wish Kat the very best of luck for the remainder of her apprenticeship, and we look forward to watching her career flourish in the industry.
Learn more about our apprenticeships by visiting our Early Careers page.
