South-Tyneside based, Castle, is continuing its long-term support of the PlanBEE higher apprenticeship programme and has announced the appointment of Ryan Taylor as a trainee BIM coordinator and Ethan Chambers as trainee construction site engineer.
The company has also welcomed Rafi Abdulmubin and Taylor Dolan, who are currently undertaking a four-month placement.
PlanBEE, is a higher apprenticeship programme that allows apprentices to experience a diverse mix of roles within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector.
It focuses on the technical and managerial aspects of design and construction and is accredited by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and underpinned with HNC and HND qualifications at level 4 and 5.
The programme runs over a two-year period, when apprentices undertake six work placements of four months each, with different sponsor organisations. Bespoke on and off-the-job training combines with lessons at Gateshead College, one day each week.
The apprentices work on real, live projects and are treated as full time employees during their time at each sponsor organisation.
Ryan Taylor, trainee BIM coordinator at Castle, said: “My apprenticeship was in design and build and PlanBEE appealed to me because it gave me an insight into different roles within construction and, for me, building services was the natural fit.
“Upon completion of the programme, I applied for a role at Castle. The company was very welcoming and I was made to feel at home. I am looking forward to progressing my journey with the team.”
Andrew Dawson, managing director at Castle, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryan and Ethan progressing onto the next stage of their career at Castle and I would like to give a warm welcome to both Rafi and Taylor who are undertaking their four-month placement. We hope they’ll both enjoy the time they spend as part of the Castle team and find it beneficial in whichever construction career path they choose.
“We have previously offered full time employment to a number of PlanBEE students. An example being our building services engineer, Megan Groom, who is now a mentor to our new PlanBEE apprentices.
“We have a dedicated team in place to offer guidance and support and each apprentice is presented with an action plan to ensure they are able to work across the business in varying positions, giving them experience within each department.
“We provide numerous apprenticeships and trainee positions, supporting employees through a wide range of qualifications such as City & Guilds, NVQ, HNC, HND, Bachelors and Masters degrees. 95% of our apprentices have been offered full-time employment at the end of their training. Some study traditionally, whist others are taught via training providers such as PlanBEE.
“At a time where there is a huge skills shortage within the construction sector, it is encouraging to see the high interest that PlanBEE receives and we hope that our participation will enable our students to gain valuable skills and real-life experience which will equip them for the world of work.”