What’s an apprenticeship in architecture and planning?
All spaces, whether residential, commercial, agricultural or leisure, have been meticulously planned and designed before being constructed. An apprenticeship offers the potential to work alongside experienced professionals on exciting projects to gain valuable hands-on experience as you complete your studies and work towards your qualification.
Maybe you dream of being involved with the planning or design of the next landmark, eco town or sustainable building. Or perhaps it’s an aspiration to work in a global organisation, local authority or government department. It could be you’d love to own and manage your own private architectural practice. Whatever your goals, an apprenticeship in architecture and planning will open the door to a rewarding career.
Lucy Burton – Level 6 Urban Planning Apprenticeship, David Wilson Homes | University of West England
Karen Mosley – Managing Director, HLM Architects
Facts and stats
Who would suit an architecture and planning apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great pathway into the competitive, creative and challenging industry of architecture and planning. Apprenticeships are available from intermediate level, but to achieve the qualifications needed to become a registered and accredited architect, you’ll need to complete a Level 7 apprenticeship. It’s common for people to do more than one apprenticeship to build up to the level they need.
Architecture and planning offers opportunities to work on all stages of the design or planning of homes and extensions, commercial buildings, shopping centres and sports stadiums. It can also open up the chance to be involved in projects such as inner-city regeneration or sustainable development in rural areas.
Some typical roles in the industry include architectural assistant, construction production manager, draughtsperson, architectural technologist, quantity surveyor, architect or town planner.
Many architect firms and real estate companies appreciate the value of the real-world experience gained during an apprenticeship. Some of the larger employers include Balfour Beatty, BNP Paribas, CBRE, Colliers, Gensler and Laing O’Rourke.
If you’re ambitious, have a creative mind, strong problem-solving skills and an aptitude for art, design or model making, you may find a career in this sector is for you. A career in architecture and planning also provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in important environmental issues such as climate change.
William Hall – Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship, HLM Architects
Brandyn Bain – Construction Built Environment Architectural Technology Apprenticeship, Denham Ben | Edinburgh Napier University
Asher Humphrey-Martin – Level 6 Architectural Technology Apprenticeship, Fleming Homes
- What you learn is applicable worldwide, opening up opportunities for travel.
- You’ll be in secure employment, with many apprentices going on to permanent roles.
- You’ll be able to see the physical results of the work you do in the real world.
- You need to balance working and studying together.
- It’s a competitive industry, with more applicants than roles.
- It takes at least seven years to qualify as an architect.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
The route to becoming an architect or town planner involves least seven years of study, and apprenticeships offer the ability to earn a salary whilst working towards the academic qualifications you need.
My goal is to become a chartered planner and my apprenticeship will help me get there.
Lucy Burton, Apprentice at David Wilson Homes
As an apprentice, you’ll see first-hand the latest, ground-breaking projects. You’ll be learning on the job and observing how experienced professionals handle all stages from brief to build. This vital real-world experience will provide a solid foundation for your future career.
You’ll also receive mentoring and support as you complete your studies and gain your qualification. The support and mentoring provided by your employer during your apprenticeship will ensure you develop the wider skills needed to excel in a professional industry.
Apprenticeships are a free and accessible route to bring much needed diversity into the profession.
Karen Mosley, Employer at HLM Architects
How do you start an apprenticeship in architecture and planning?
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