PlanBEE Manchester was launched in 2021 by Manchester City Council and Manchester Life, with Ryder Architecture, Gateshead College and in collaboration with employers from across the city.

The scheme provides Manchester residents with the opportunity to begin a career in building design and construction with a strong emphasis on digital skills and collaborative working, whilst working across a variety of projects in the city and the region.

This two-year, multi-disciplinary programme helps to meet the need for skilled employees in the North West construction sector and equip young people to thrive in the industry, which is rapidly evolving with new construction methods and technologies.

In 2022 GRAHAM were proud to join the PlanBEE Manchester consortium, sponsoring a two year programme to support six local apprentices through hosted placements. This will provide them with invaluable site management and engineering experience, whilst working on a wide range of projects across the Northwest.

GRAHAM welcomed Ben Saw, year one PlanBEE apprentice, who worked across Manchester Building projects including, Houndshill Shopping Centre, Blackpool and Discovery Quay Phase2, Salford. Ben was placed with both design and engineering teams learning site-based skills, industry terminology and knowledge throughout his placement.

Now supporting our second apprentice Lysha Murgatoyd, placement mentor and direct line manager, Vernon Hailwood, Regional Design Manager for Building South, said:

“We tried and tested similar apprenticeship models in the past, which created excellent gateways for us to train and recruit enthusiastic local emerging talent seeking access into the industry. The PlanBEE Scheme has been equally impressive with the high calibre of apprentices assigned to GRAHAM for their host placements.”

“Schemes like PlanBEE are ideal. They create opportunities for host employers and training providers to align industry needs with training provision creating the next level apprentice”

Steve Logan, of Gateshead College, explained:

“GRAHAM is playing a really important role in nurturing new talent, who will eventually become the engineers, technicians and managers of the future”.

He continued: “The key to the success of PlanBEE Manchester is partnership working and collaborating with businesses like GRAHAM, Manchester Life and others to ensure that young people get the investment and opportunities they need to start their career. Our thanks to them – and of course, to the students who impress and inspire us each day.”