Amid increasing pressure on the construction industry to address the skills shortage, there is an urgent need for employer partners to meet apprenticeship placements.
Launched in 2021 through an alliance between Manchester City Council, Manchester Life, Ryder Architecture, and Gateshead College, PlanBEE Manchester Higher Apprenticeship programme has quickly become a game-changer for apprentices and construction businesses.
More than 50 people have joined the scheme since 2021, and 23 of these have already graduated and been offered permanent jobs with the employer ‘sponsors’, including Turner & Townsend and Morgan Sindall Construction.
In the programme, apprentices rotate between six different companies over two years to gain broad experience of working in diverse roles.
These include architecture; structural and building services engineering; project management; quantity surveying; and site management, with apprentices taking ownership of their workload and quickly making a positive impact to the businesses involved.
But with more than 130 applications received for 10 vacancies this year, more construction businesses are needed to increase the opportunities available.
Ian Knight, programme director at Manchester Life, said: “PlanBEE Manchester is a powerful example of what can be achieved when industry, education, and local government create meaningful career pathways in the built environment.
“The calibre of apprentices has been exceptional. They bring the mindset, skills, and adaptability the sector needs — and are already contributing to some of the most complex and high-profile projects across Greater Manchester.
“We encourage more firms to join this outstanding programme to support our industry’s future talent needs.”
PlanBEE Manchester apprentices have contributed to the completion of many of the region’s iconic projects including Aviva Studios, home of Factory International; the St Michael’s, Manchester; Stockport Hospital A&E; Manchester Town Hall and the Manchester City FC North Stand.
PlanBEE graduate, Ben Saw (20) from Droylsden, who is now a trainee site manager with Eric Wright Construction, said: “It’s been an incredible journey over the last two years. I am extremely grateful to have been selected for PlanBEE and all the opportunities that this has presented. I truly feel more confident and prepared to move forward in my personal and professional career. I am a huge advocate for the course.”
Dave Scott, construction director at Ameon Limited, said: “It is safe to say that our PlanBEE trainees have been a breath of fresh air on a number of key projects in Manchester- bringing with them, not only a real thirst for knowledge, but also a genuine commitment to make a tangible contribution to our business during their placement.
“The initiative, intellect and work ethic displayed by these trainees is testament to the unique qualities and ethos of the PlanBEE programme, which Ameon is not only happy to sponsor, but also recommend to any other businesses who, like us are not willing to settle for average.”
To register your interest in becoming a PlanBEE sponsor click here.
