Amid increasing pressure on the construction industry to address the skills shortage, the PlanBEE Manchester Higher Apprenticeship programme is emerging as a model of innovation and success. However, with applications surging, there is an urgent need for more employer partners to meet the growing demand for apprentice placements.
Launched in 2021 through a powerful alliance between Manchester City Council, Manchester Life, Ryder Architecture, and Gateshead College, PlanBEE Manchester has quickly become a game-changer for apprentices and construction businesses.
The success of PlanBEE Manchester is evident in the achievements of its graduates. Over 50 young people have joined the scheme since 2021, and 23 of these have already graduated and been offered permanent jobs with the employer ‘sponsors’, including John Sisk & Sons, Turner & Townsend, Morgan Sindall Construction, Buro Happold, Ameon Ltd, and Eric Wright Construction.
This programme is unique, with apprentices ‘rotating’ 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.
“What attracted me to PlanBEE was the fact that it provides extensive exposure to the various skills involved in the construction industry. 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 and Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Turner & Townsend
The chance to explore various professional roles and develop a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry appeals to young people pursuing a graduate career in the built environment sector. This attraction is why PlanBEE consistently receives more applications than available places. With over 130 applications received for the 10 vacancies this year, more construction businesses are needed to increase the opportunities available.
The calibre and experience of PlanBEE graduates makes them highly attractive to future employers and is the reason why 97% progress to permanent jobs and the programme was highly commended in the National Apprenticeship and Training Awards this year.
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; Manchester City FC North Stand; Co-op Live; and all of the phases of the Manchester Life Ancoats and New Islington regeneration schemes.
This has been a source of immense pride for the Manchester apprentices who have worked on these projects and benefitted from the experience gained.
