Sam Curran will be joining the vanguard of architectural apprentices to kickstart the level 7 degree apprenticeship in Architecture through LHC Design and the University of the West of England.
This training route allows you to complete the next stage of your professional development and invest in your training while continuing to work in practice. Over four years, Sam will gain the training and specialist skills needed to achieve Part 2 and 3 qualifications, with tuition funded through the apprenticeship funding system.
This initiative will help to level the playing field and eliminate obstacles for talented individuals interested in pursuing a career in Architecture, allowing people to earn while they learn. With a reduced debt burden, this offers a uniquely well-rounded skill set, only provided by hands-on experience. It provides the opportunity to attract, support and enable talented employees to work towards registering as qualified architects in the UK.
The Level 7 degree apprenticeship in architecture offers several significant benefits to individuals aspiring to become professional architects. This apprenticeship program leads to the attainment of a Master’s degree in Architecture and combines academic learning with practical work experience.
Here are our top 10 key benefits of pursuing a Level 7 degree apprenticeship in architecture:
1. Professional Qualification: Successful completion of a Level 7 degree apprenticeship in architecture provides you with the qualifications required to become a registered architect.
2. Hands-On Experience: Apprenticeships involve on-the-job training, allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience in an architectural practice. This practical experience helps you apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and build a strong portfolio.
3. Academic Rigor: Level 7 apprenticeships include a rigorous academic component, typically leading to a Master’s degree in Architecture. This ensures that you receive a solid theoretical foundation to complement your practical skills.
4. Earning While Learning: Apprenticeships are paid positions, which means you can earn a salary while pursuing your education. This can help offset the costs of tuition and living expenses and reduce the burden of student loans. This helps to level the playing field and attract more talent to the industry.
5. Industry Connections: Working within architectural firms during your apprenticeship allows you to establish valuable connections in the industry. These connections can be instrumental in finding employment opportunities or securing projects after completing your apprenticeship.
6. Enhanced Employability: With a Level 7 degree apprenticeship, you not only gain a Master’s degree but also acquire the skills and experience that employers in the architectural field highly value. This can make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
7. Well-Rounded Skill Set: Architectural apprenticeships cover various aspects of the profession, including design, construction, project management, and regulatory compliance. This breadth of knowledge makes you a versatile architect capable of handling diverse tasks. Alongside developing your skills in architectural design and construction, you will benefit from client contact and an understanding of the operational side of running an architectural practice.
8. Reduced Debt Burden: Unlike traditional university programs, apprenticeships do not typically require you to accumulate significant student loan debt, this can provide financial stability as you embark on your architectural career.
9. Mentorship Opportunities: Apprentices often work closely with experienced architects who can serve as mentors. Learning from seasoned professionals can accelerate your development as an architect and help you avoid common pitfalls.
10. Professional Development: The structured nature of apprenticeships ensures that you receive ongoing training and support throughout your journey to becoming an architect. This commitment to professional development can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. You’ll have access to cutting-edge research, such as the latest thinking on sustainable buildings, helping you and your employer stay ahead of the curve with new ideas and developments in this ever-changing field.
Director Rebbeca Thurgood had the following to say about the apprenticeship scheme.
‘I am really proud that LHC Design has committed to support future architects in this way. As an architect long in the tooth enough to have benefitted from a fully funded university place and maintenance grants I wonder whether I would have been able to pursue a career in Architecture in this current regime of tuition fees and loans. Greater availability of apprenticeships ensures our profession includes people from all walks of life to be more representative of the comunities we serve.
Rebecca Thurgood
In summary, a Level 7-degree apprenticeship in architecture offers a balanced approach to education and professional development. It offers a balanced and practical approach and combines academic rigour with practical experience, setting you on the path to becoming a qualified architect with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.