Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

Amelia Swaby is currently in her third year of the four-year apprenticeship programme at Northumbria University. Since joining P+HS in 2020, she has embraced every opportunity the apprenticeship route offers, gaining hands-on experience across a diverse range of projects.

“Choosing an apprenticeship can feel like a big leap, but it has given me opportunities that a traditional full-time university route never could. The ability to learn while working on real projects has given me a truly holistic further education and the support I receive from both tutors and colleagues alike has been invaluable in shaping my future career.

With over 4 years of experience at P+HS, I have developed a passion in human-centred architecture, which I have translated into my university projects and written thesis; both of which focus on the ways in which architecture can shape people’s lives for the better.

My written thesis ‘A Village Apart’ explores the effects of age segregation seen within retirement communities and urges designers and policy makers to adopt a more intergenerational lens for future developments.

My final design project ‘The Nature of Therapy’ seeks to provide a much-needed rehabilitation facility for alcohol dependency alongside mental health support in the Northeast region, utilising nature to aid recovery and encourage people to reconnect with the landscape whilst breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction.”

Kate Baker, also in her third year of the four-year apprenticeship scheme at Northumbria University, reflects on the invaluable experience the degree apprenticeship has given her.

"The degree apprenticeship has allowed me to work towards my academic qualifications whilst gaining valuable industry experiences, including exposure to projects, clients and construction processes. 

P+HS have supported me throughout my apprenticeship by providing constructive feedback on assignments and participating in quarterly progress reviews with the University. These reviews provide apprenticeship opportunity to evaluate their professional and academic development whilst working towards Part 2 and Part 3 accreditation. 

On the University Campus, I have access to fantastic facilities such as the technical workshops and 3D printing labs. The University's architectural studios allow apprentices to connect and share ideas with other students who are at a similar stage in their architectural career. 

Academic tutors encourage students to apply practice-based learning within their university projects. This has resulted in my Final Design Project focusing on a wellness retreat which utilises art therapy and the healing properties of seascapes to treat mental health challenges in the North East."

From an Architectural Apprenticeship at Cambridge University to an Award-Winning Architect, Alesia Bloor shares her journey.

“I’ve always believed that practical experience, as opposed to traditional education settings can provide a higher grasp of a profession and a more complete skill set. When architectural apprenticeships began to emerge in the industry, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to become a front runner of this change. Fast forward to today, as a fully qualified architect, it’s difficult to overstate the opportunities my apprenticeship has presented me over the past few years. 

Learning from industry professionals both from within P+HS and university has enabled me to sharpen my communication and CAD skills and to approach my design projects with greater depth and consideration. Whenever I faced challenges with my university projects, I could always turn to P+HS for extra feedback and support. Equally, when I wanted to experiment with bold design ideas in practice, university provided the perfect space to explore them. This balance created a great support system, allowing me to develop my skills with guidance from both academic and professional perspectives.

On a personal level, my confidence has grown significantly, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. A big step for me was when I applied to the construction apprenticeship of the year awards and won. I now feel more at ease networking with professionals and confidently challenging contractors in design team meetings. These are just a few examples of the invaluable skills I’ve gained. Apprenticeships aren’t for the faint hearted, but they have shaped me into the architect I am today, making the journey both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”

Lee Thackray shares his unconventional journey into architecture and his experience as a mature student.

“I first gained a degree in illustration and design in my twenties and worked as a concept artist for three years. Through changes in circumstance I retrained and worked as a carpenter for 15 years. Architecture combines my interest and skills in art and craftsmanship. The degree apprenticeship has allowed me to follow a new career path as a mature student. I am Gaining invaluable experience in an architecture practice, earning a wage and In my final year of my Level 7 degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University. It is hard work, but a superb route into architecture.”

This just goes to show that there’s no single path into architecture. Lee’s journey proves that diverse experiences can shape a unique and valuable perspective in the industry. His dedication and talent have even earned him the RIBA YAFP Young Professional Award for Architectural Creativity, recognising his exceptional eye for design, attention to detail, and innovative approach to every project he takes on.