BRIMS Construction is a key player in a new training scheme developing the next generation of construction industry talent.
PlanBEE was launched last year with Gateshead College, Brims, North East architects, designers, contractors and engineering specialists.
The flexible training programme is designed to attract and retain the brightest new talent in the region and create a more flexible workforce capable of working across various construction disciplines.
The initial cohort of 13 students who enrolled on the scheme last September have all been retained, having completed a Higher National Certificate qualification.
They will now work towards a Higher National Diploma in year two and an honours degree in year three and these qualifications will help them secure a guaranteed job on completion of the programme.
Matthew Hardman, 19, from Gateshead, initially spent time with Cundall and has been with Brims for the last few months.
He said: “I was keen on a career in construction but was not sure what discipline I wanted to pursue and did not want to get to the end of university and realise I hadn’t really enjoyed my choice, while having amassed £30,000 of debts.
“So I’m really please to have secured a place on this course through Gateshead College. My first placement was mainly office based learning CAD drawing and BIM and I’ve really enjoyed the site engineering experience with Brims including the quantity surveying side. This has definitely been the right choice of course for me.”
Brims director Richard Wood said: “We are a fast-growing business with and realise how important it is to play our part in nurturing the talent of the future. Matthew is the second placement we have had from PlanBEE and has been a great addition to our team, we look forward to welcoming more students to the company.
“We initially became aware and involved with Plan BEE following discussions with Mark Thompson of Ryder and so far it has been an excellent programme, which we hope inspires a new generation of bright, talented individuals to consider a rewarding career in construction. It is a real alternative to full time education; one that offers a future with no debt and a job offer on completion.”
Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: “Employers across the built environment industry have expressed a need for a greater convergence of skills that traditionally sit within the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, engineering, surveying and landscaping. The PlanBEE programme has been designed to equip students with valuable experience in all of these important subject areas.”
As well as Brims and Ryder other high-profile names, including Xsite Architecture, 3e Consulting, Cundall, Arup, FaulknerBrowns, Sadler Brown Architecture, BIM Academy, Bond Dickinson and Northumbria University.