PlanBEE Success Stories

PlanBEE (Plan for Built Environment Education) is an award winning higher apprenticeship launched in 2016 between Okana partner Ryder Architecture and Gateshead College. The rotational apprenticeship runs over a two year period, offering six work placements. Students get exposure to architecture, civil, building services, engineering, quantity surveying and construction management, spending four days a week at work and one day at college.

Lily-Ella Dawson is in her second year of PlanBEE and recently completed a work placement with Okana. She worked across a range of our internal teams, including data and digital, safety and resilience, strategy and intelligence, environmental and sustainability, and training and development, as well as across both local and international projects.

“Working with a diverse group of experts has enhanced my confidence in public speaking and provided a deeper understanding of the industry, and how software integrates with site visits to ensure buildings comply with standards.”

Lily-Ella’s mentor, Mark Crowe, digital director at Okana, supported her development and experience with Okana. Mark not only taught Lily-Ella technical skills but also guided her on delivering effective presentations, including time management, optimising talking points, and boosting her confidence. Mark said: “Lily-Ella was a pleasure to work with; her passion is contagious. I’m proud of her growth and can confidently say she’s now capable of managing upwards.”

With a 98% success rate in apprentices securing permanent employment in the built environment, PlanBEE has seen over 100 apprentices graduate from the programme to date and we are proud to play our part in shaping the next generation of professionals.

Find out more about the value of PlanBEE apprenticeships here.