Chris Simmons’ Post

This book is significant. Daniel Goodricke’s and Luke Murray’s Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook (RIBA Publishing, 2024) signals a shift in how architects are being trained in the UK. The handbook breaks down the structure of this new route to qualification with guidance, precedents and case studies. This is important because it documents the emergence and growth of a true alternative to the university option that has been pervasive for over 60 years. This choice is flexible, affordable, and balanced between being anchored in industry and tempered by academia. The framework can accommodate a school-leaver just out of their secondary education right through to a person returning to learning after a hiatus from typical college pathways. The information set out in the book will be of benefit to prospective architectural apprentices and for industry and academic institutions wishing to establish their own work-based programmes. Get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/eKsGkCg2

Understanding Protected Titles in UK Architecture: Building Clarity Around Apprenticeship Terminology In the UK, the architectural profession is carefully constructed around strict regulations to maintain high standards and public trust. One of these regulations is the protection of professional titles under the Architects Act 1997, which ensures only those registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) can legally call themselves ‘Architects.’ However, this can create some foundational confusion for those pursuing qualification routes, especially through apprenticeships. For instance, the official qualification pathway is called the ‘L7 Architect Apprenticeship’ —a title that might lead some to assume the job title ‘L7 Architect Apprentice’ is acceptable. Here’s where we need to lay the groundwork: ‘Architect’ is a legally protected term. Until an individual completes their education, training, and ARB registration, they cannot use any title implying they are an Architect, including ‘Architect Apprentice.’ So, what’s the framework for those on this pathway? Employers and apprentices should use alternatives like ‘Apprentice on the L7 Architect Apprenticeship’ or ‘Architectural Apprentice.’ While these might not have the same architectural symmetry, they respect the legal protections around the title while clearly indicating the apprentice’s role and pathway. This distinction helps to cement public trust, ensure clarity, and uphold the credibility of the title ‘Architect.’ It’s a small but significant way to keep the profession’s reputation rock solid. What do you think? How can we better build awareness for these nuances? Let’s discuss! Thank you Aylin Round for bringing this topic to my attention! 📐🎓 #architecture #architecturalassistant #architectureapprenticeship #architectureapprentice #riba #education #study #archstudent #design #architectureschool #offthejob #onthejob

What is the Architecture Apprenticeship? The architecture apprenticeship is an alternative way to become an architect in the UK. Apprenticeships combine work and study. A minimum of 20% of your contracted hours must be spent studying, known as off the job training. 📐🎓 #architecture #architectureapprenticeship #architectureapprentice #riba #education #study #archstudent #design #architectureschool #offthejob

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing the Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook by Daniel Goodricke and Luke Murray for BDonline, published by RIBA. It’s an invaluable resource for architecture apprentices, mentors, and practices alike. Check out the full review via the link below! https://lnkd.in/eJ2aUcDV #apprenticeship #apprentices #architecture #RIBA #bdonline #architectureapprenticeshiphandbook

What makes a good apprenticeship? The four key puzzle pieces to creating a successful apprenticeship journey within architecture 🫶 📐🎓 #architecture #architecturalassistant #architectureapprenticeship #architectureapprentice #riba #education #study #archstudent #design #architectureschool #offthejob #onthejob

Richard Jacob praises a new handbook as a key resource for apprentices and mentors in architecture. The Architecture Apprenticeship pathway is a relatively new method for achieving professional architectural qualification, combining on-the-job training with an employer and off-the-job training with a certified training provider. As a route to qualification, it is very different from the traditional and well-known Part 1-3 process. The Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook serves as a dedicated resource to explain and outline the Architecture Apprenticeship pathway in detail. The Handbook is aimed at early-career professionals or those considering a career in architecture and demonstrates the benefits and advantages of the apprenticeship pathway. It also honestly describes the potential downsides and answers key questions that may arise when potential students consider this route. In addition, the Handbook aims to widen access and encourage diversification within the profession by highlighting the flexibility and accommodation apprenticeships offer to different personal and professional circumstances. Written by Daniel Goodricke, first-year leader of the Architect (Level 7) Degree Apprenticeship at Northumbria University, and Luke Murray, Architecture BA (Hons) course leader at Ravensbourne University London, the Handbook has been authored by two chartered architects and educators with ties to several well-known architectural academic institutions. Both authors have been involved in the development of architecture apprenticeships with training providers, giving them in-depth knowledge of the apprenticeship pathway and its requirements. https://lnkd.in/e3YZpYxy #architecture #apprenticeships #bookreviews RIBA Publishing

share your experience of #apprenticeships in #architecture #level7 #riba #arb #part2 #part3

A really good article on the ups and downs of architectural apprenticeships. This is an excellent way to fuse the narrative between architectural education and life in practice. #education #skills #architecture

As Palmer + Partners approaches it's 15th anniversary, I've been reflecting on the journey that brought me here. It's been far from easy, but the challenges have made it all the more rewarding. I'm especially grateful for the incredible mentors who shaped my path.   Becoming an architect is no small feat. It's a rigorous and lengthy process requiring expertise, versatility and responsibility. This combination, for me, is what makes architecture such a fulfilling career.  The traditional route to qualification in the UK takes a minimum of 7 years consisting of...(take a breath) a 3-year undergraduate degree (part 1), followed by a year 'out' in practice, followed by another 2 years postgrad degree (part 2), another 12 months in practice... and then the professional exam (part 3). So, as I said, lengthy! In 2019, the Level 7 Architect Degree Apprenticeship was introduced. This alternative route combines part 2 and part 3 into a 4-year course, offering real-world experience alongside academic learning; a salary - making it more financially viable (especially in today’s economic climate); and a collaborative system benefitting university, employer and apprentice. One of our talented architectural assistants (who we will be introducing soon on our Palmer + Partners LinkedIn) began their degree apprenticeship with Oxford Brookes University, last year. The benefits are already clear – deep integration of academic research with practical experience, while contributing meaningfully to our practice. However, recent government proposals to restructure funding for Level 7 apprenticeships could potentially remove the funding entirely. It raises important questions about the future of accessibility in architectural training. Will this restructure have an impact on the Architect Degree Apprenticeship, especially as it’s majority funded by large architectural practice, and not by the government?

🌟 Proud Moment Alert! 🌟 This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to dive into an exciting and impactful topic during my internship: “Study on FDR Technology and Use of C&D Waste in Pavement Construction.” 🌍🏗️ My journey involved exploring how Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste can revolutionize pavement construction by promoting sustainability, cost-efficiency, and environmental stewardship. 🚧♻️ Highlights of my presentation: ✅ Understanding the mechanics of FDR for resilient pavements. ✅ Exploring innovative uses of C&D waste to reduce environmental impacts. ✅ Real-world applications and insights gained from hands-on training. ✅ Recommendations for integrating these technologies into sustainable infrastructure development. I am thrilled to share my presentation with all of you and invite your thoughts, feedback, and discussions. Collaboration is key to driving innovation in civil engineering and sustainable construction! 🙌 🔗 Check out my presentation attached below! Let’s connect, discuss, and explore the future of green infrastructure together! #CivilEngineering #Sustainability #Infrastructure #PavementConstruction #Innovation #Learning #InternshipExperience #Networking