Offering an alternative route into architecture through apprenticeships

There are few other job roles where you can leave as big a mark on the cities we live and work in as architecture. It’s a career path that’s creatively fulfilling, meaningful, rewarding and offers the opportunity to deliver projects that will last for hundreds of years, often past the architect’s lifespan.

These are just some of the major attractions that bring bright creative young minds to architecture.

Yet, the traditional pathway into the profession – structured around lengthy university courses, placements, more study, and eventual accreditation – can feel rigid, financially burdensome, and inaccessible to some. These conventional routes into the profession are fantastic and work perfectly well for many looking to make a name for themselves in our industry.

But is this the best option for everyone?

In this short article, we examine apprenticeships as an alternative route into the industry, exploring their benefits and how they can help us bring more creative minds to the profession.

Is the traditional route the only way?

The most established pathway into architecture is through a university degree followed by work placements, further study and eventual accreditation. This pathway continues to produce talented architects all over the world. But it’s not right for everyone.

Why not?

1. The process is notably lengthy. Waiting 7+ years for accreditation is too long for some.
2. It’s expensive. With university fees frequently rising, this financial barrier can be off-putting, particularly for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

There’s nothing wrong with the traditional route, but there’s no reason we can’t also make a case for some alternatives. We want to attract as diverse a range of passionate architects as possible and one way of doing this is by offering alternative routes into the industry.

Offering a different route through apprenticeships

At AEW, apprenticeships are a hugely important part of our recruitment efforts. For those candidates for whom the traditional route is not a good option, apprenticeships provide paid, practical learning experiences alongside the formal education you’d get with a traditional approach.

Apprentices earn while learning, making it a great option for candidates who’re put off by the expense of the traditional route. The model is also great for those who want to reach life milestones earlier, like buying a house or getting married.

Another attractive quality of the apprenticeship route is it’s great for candidates who want a more hands-on approach to their education. The traditional approach is theory-heavy and it works great for many. However many enjoy the process of putting theory into practice and working on real projects with real constraints.

AEW apprentices: Why it was the right route for them

In our blog covering National Apprenticeships Week, we spoke to AEW apprentices Matt Bell and Alice Wright, who shared their experience continuing their professional development via an architectural degree apprenticeship route.

Matt Bell: “Choosing an architectural apprenticeship has given me financial stability while studying, allowing me to achieve major life goals like buying a home, getting married, and starting a family. At university, I’ve collaborated with like-minded apprentices from diverse backgrounds, sharing knowledge to advance our projects and careers.

Simultaneously working at AEW has provided invaluable hands-on experience and regular access to industry professionals – something rarely available through traditional routes. I would 100% recommend this path to anyone balancing big life commitments with their studies; it offers flexibility and eliminates the need to choose between education and personal aspirations.”

Alice Wright: “I wanted a balance between real-world experience and the creative freedom you get at university. Working on live projects with clients helps me grow professionally, while university gives me the space to experiment, learn, and design my own briefs. It feels like the best of both worlds and I’m able to progress my career while still being able to explore my own interests. It can be a challenge to balance work and university, but it teaches you how to manage your time, stay organised, and get the most out of both experiences.”

Reflecting AEW’s core values

A core part of who AEW is comes from our values. They guide how we deliver our mission to our clients, working with inclusivity, practicality innovation and social responsibility.

Our support for apprenticeships is rooted in our desire to meet the needs of as many budding architects as possible. The traditional route is a great option for many, but for those with different needs, the apprenticeships we offer can be just the ticket.