L-R: Helen Craddock (Ryder), Craig Higgins (James Christopher Consulting), Marc Horn (shed), Chris Toon (Gateshead College) and Steven Horn (B&W)
L-R: Helen Craddock (Ryder), Craig Higgins (James Christopher Consulting), Marc Horn (shed), Chris Toon (Gateshead College) and Steven Horn (B&W)

Trio of built environment firms back North East’s industry-led PlanBEE initiative

A scheme set up to attract new talent to the built environment industry has landed the support of three high-profile businesses in the sector.

Black & White Engineering (B&W), s h e d and James Christopher Consulting are the latest firms to sponsor PlanBEE, a training programme aimed at plugging skills gaps in the North East and creating a more flexible workforce that can work across multiple construction disciplines.

Gateshead College and Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture launched the scheme in 2016 after forming an alliance with a network of architects, designers, contractors and engineers.

PlanBEE offers trainees the chance to work across several companies, avoiding a more traditional model that sees students complete their qualification at just one business.

The deal with B&W, s h e d and James Christopher Consulting has further widened the range of expertise available.

B&W is a global mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design consultancy with offices UK offices in London and Newcastle. Newcastle-based s h e d is a structural and civil engineering design consultancy. James Christopher Consulting, based in Gateshead, is an engineering practice.

Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: “It’s great to have three additional sponsors on board.

“The industry has called for employees to be skilled in a greater range of disciplines, such as surveying, landscaping, architecture and planning, and PlanBEE addresses this fundamental need.”

Chris added: “We proud to be at the forefront of an industry-led initiative that’s becoming a national exemplar for the recruitment and development of construction employees.”

Ryder Architecture managing partner Mark Thompson commented: It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the programme is making on the students and sponsoring businesses, and we’re delighted to be welcoming the new sponsors to our third cohort.“

Our Partners