In praise of architectural apprenticeships – ADC

The profession of architecture is adapting to the changing times in which we live, by taking steps to be more inclusive and better reflect the communities for whom we design and build.

Meanwhile, the ARB has launched a consultation on its proposals to overhaul architectural education. It particularly wants to update the regulatory framework which, it says, has the effect of blocking some people from joining the industry.

Training to become an architect can certainly be lengthy and costly, beyond the reach of many. For some – myself included – apprenticeships offer a more practical way into the profession, where debt and long periods spent studying are significantly less of a burden. My experience as a Level 6 apprentice with Levitt Bernstein confirms my belief that the apprenticeship model should be used more widely across the profession.

I’m the first apprentice to have been taken on by my practice, spending four days a week working in the London studio, and one day at London Southbank University. In my first year I took modules in design and technology, and now in my second year I’m covering theory and communication. Year three will be back to design and technology, while year four will be solely focused on design. The three-year full-time course is spread over four years to make part-time study more feasible.

The apprenticeship route appealed to me because it seemed to be a dynamic way into the industry. Being at Levitt Bernstein, working alongside people who have more experience than me, both academically and professionally, means I get considerable insight into what is required to do the job. It also helps me think more about who it is that I’m designing for when tackling university projects. It teaches me how to be a more inclusive designer.

Exposure to the industry is hugely beneficial. Working on real projects gives insights I could not have dreamed of in a purely academic environment: I see a building come to life, from sketches and drawings to specifications and the building site. Rather than learn through tutors in a lecture hall, I’m learning by getting stuck in with practising architects and real clients. That’s a huge difference.

On a practical level it helps to be paid and the absence of student debt is reassuring. Being immersed in the practice has also made me more aware of the current issues facing architecture, particularly around sustainability. But there are drawbacks too. I spend less time with my university friends, bouncing around ideas, and I haven’t had the “typical” university experience. However, it balances out in the end because I’m collaborating and socialising with colleagues instead.

Regular contact with other members of the Levitt Bernstein team, and in particular my mentor, Banah Rashid, is invaluable. I get the sort of time with Banah that would be a luxury for a typical architecture student and their tutor – sharing ideas and information, getting feedback, showing design concepts and finished drawings, and demonstrating that I have a growing understanding of what it takes to become a qualified architect. Everyone at the practice is encouraging and supports my development with constructive feedback (which helps a lot with crits at university!).

It’s important that I’m disciplined about dividing my time between my studies and my practice work – there is always a lot to do. It can be tiring having to do university work after a day in the office. But playing to my strengths gives me more confidence to challenge myself.

Being an apprentice is not just a learning curve for me. Whilst Levitt Bernstein has long supported alternative routes into architecture, such as Sheffield University’s Collaborative Practice, I’m its first apprentice. The directors and wider team are interested in my feedback and learning about this new model of education and training, how it supports a more inclusive workforce, and fits into its socially conscious ethos. It has been a resounding success from that perspective, and we plan to hire another apprentice in the future.

While we wait for the outcome of the ARB’s consultation, I speak from experience when I say that for aspiring architects there is plenty to be gained from an apprenticeship. And practices too can benefit from having someone enthusiastic in their ranks, who is eager to learn and play a part in the ongoing success of the business.