The two award-winning organisations are well known for their shared mission to shape a more diverse and skilled workforce. Following more than a decade of collaboration, Ryder Architecture and Class of Your Own (COYO) are strengthening their partnership by bringing together their pioneering real-world learning programmes to provide an exemplary pathway into built environment careers.
Class of Your Own is the creator of ‘Design Engineer Construct!’ (“DEC”), the world-leading curriculum for secondary schools and Ryder is the founder of the pioneering apprenticeship, PlanBEE (Built Environment Education).
A striking synergy
Both programmes enjoy a striking synergy – created and supported by industry combined with the professional delivery of teachers, the balance of knowledge, skills development and practical work-based experiences enables the inherent talent and ingenuity of every young person to shine through. It’s part of the reason why Ryder and Class of Your Own have joined forces to ensure that education is responsive to the changing needs of the built environment and with it, a clear message: construction is an exciting, diverse, digital industry that plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
PlanBEE is an industry driven higher apprenticeship, which was launched by Ryder and Gateshead College in 2016 to plug the growing industry skills gap. Now in its seventh year, the programme has expanded nationally and internationally, operating in Newcastle, Manchester, London and Vancouver with a consortium of over 60 employers, and has been commended with awards from Building, Architects Journal and Inspire Future Generations for its collaboration with industry and education.
Plan BEE – an industry driven higher apprenticeship driving exemplary career pathways for young people
Apprentices have the opportunity to learn multiple disciplines, working in a variety of roles including architecture, engineering, quantity surveying and construction – all with an emphasis on digital skills – with industry heavyweights such as Bowmer + Kirkland, Morgan Sindall, Cundall, Sir Robert McAlpine, Mott Macdonald and Ryder, alongside academic study.
Since 2016, there have been over 500 industry placements and 74 students who have graduated, with 97% progressing to permanent jobs within the sector.
Peter Barker, partner at Ryder, said:
“We’re very proud to have developed PlanBEE, a transformational apprenticeship which has made a real impact in providing professional career opportunities to young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The programme addresses the needs of employers to nurture new talent, equipped with the skills for the future of the sector. We’re proud that both DEC and PlanBEE leverage the expertise of our own BIM Academy in delivering digital skills”
DEC – the perfect conduit to PlanBEE
Class of Your Own’s DEC programme is the perfect conduit to PlanBEE. A dedicated through-school curriculum with recognised qualifications, it provides students age 11-18 with a comprehensive education that bridges academic and industry relevant knowledge and skills. DEC prepares students exceptionally well for both university study and the world of work. With key learning in digital technologies, modern methods of construction, sustainability and net zero, they are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace, and the planet.
Ryder-adopted Cronton Sixth Form College – a DEC Centre of Excellence developing some of the North West’s exceptional young talent
Ryder has also adopted three DEC schools as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations; Buxton School in London, Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes, and St Luke’s High School in Glasgow, which mark the positive impact the practice has made in its communities over the past seven decades.
Alison Watson, founder and Chief Executive of Class of Your Own, commented:
“DEC is not just a curriculum, it’s been transformational for teachers, putting them at the forefront of the change that’s needed to prepare a generation of students for some of the most critical careers of a sustainable, technologically advanced future. Joining forces with Ryder to establish the most relevant pathway into industry is not just really exciting, it also makes complete sense.”
