News PlanBee apprenticeship

PlanBee apprenticeship

Features

August 23, 2022

Q&A with Cade Anderson, 19, PlanBee / PRP apprentice

Hi, tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, I’m Cade, 19, Scottish, and the eldest of four. I studied for my sixth form at Kirkham Grammar School and recently decided to embark on a career in the built environment with PlanBee. I was keen to do an apprenticeship over university as I wanted to complete my studies whilst learning on the job with professionals in the field. I believe doing an apprenticeship over university is the best way to find out what you’re truly passionate about, what you’re best suited to.

Why PlanBee?

PlanBee is an extraordinary programme! It provides apprentices with a real opportunity to learn from professionals in the built environment. You get real-life experience in all aspects of design and construction, and therefore it's easier to identify where you'll be able to make the most significant contribution.

You also get a much broader understanding of the contribution made by each profession during a project’s lifecycle and how their skills come together to deliver innovative and sustainable projects.

Thanks to PlanBee, I also get to study for an HNC/HND whilst earning on the job. There is no other apprenticeship programme out there that comes close to offering what PlanBee does!

What did you like most about your experience at PRP?

Working as a design assistant on a major project in Cornwall, Pydar Street. I've really enjoyed it as it has enabled me to develop my digital skills. I've learned how to create AutoCAD room layouts, sketch-up and Enscape models of various rooms and volume calculations as well as spreadsheets to better display the information.

What’s a typical day for you at PRP?

Every single day is different! I have been involved in so many things that it is hard to say exactly what a typical day is. I usually arrive at half past eight, set-up and then plan what I’ll be doing for the day. It could be attending project meetings in person or on zoom, doing CPDs or going on site visits. I then carry out my allocated work for the day and leave when I am satisfied that the day’s objectives have been met - usually around five o’clock.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting an apprenticeship in the built environment?

Go for it! It is a great industry with an enormously varied range of people and professions. I would also highly recommend going down the apprenticeship route as it will will allow you to gain valuable experience. The best advice I could give is: listen and don't be afraid to ask your mentors questions. They have been there before and know how to succeed in the industry. Time management is also crucial. Plan your time to ensure that all your work is delivered on time and to a high standard.

Favourite building and why?

Manchester’s Imperial War Museum. This building is a feat of engineering and stunning in design, with the three giant shards symbolising the effects of war on the world. It is the structural form of the building that I admire most. It must have involved meticulous planning and absolute precision in construction. When I visited this building, I couldn’t stop wondering how it had been built and how amazing it would be to be part of the team finding solutions to the different challenges that must have arisen in delivering this iconic landmark.

What’s next in your rotation programme?

My fourth placement will be at Faithful & Gould. I will be working as a quantity surveyor on the Town Hall project located in Manchester. I am extremely excited to work on this project as it is the largest heritage project currently happening in the country! I also don't know much about the profession so I look forward to better understanding it.

Any plans for the rest of the summer?

Go interrailing across Europe for ten days at the end of August. This is something that I have always wanted to do and I am really looking forward to the trip. I want to be able to experience different cultures first hand. As for my professional development, I will be doing some research and completing assignments for my HND.