Supporting Skills for Life this National Apprenticeship Week

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re highlighting Degree Apprenticeships and the positive impact they can have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

As a people-first practice, we are committed to developing the next generation of professionals. While we regularly employ graduates in junior roles and support their professional training and development, we also recognise that individuals have different needs. In recent years, we’ve embraced alternative pathways into the industry, including Degree Apprenticeships.

Our Journey with Degree Apprenticeships

We first engaged with Degree Apprenticeships in 2021 when two of our Trainee Architectural Technicians, Johan John and Louis Muller-Dahl, joined the University of Central Lancashire’s inaugural degree apprenticeship in Architectural Technology. Originally recruited through our partnership with the ‘Design Engineer Construct!’ (DEC) Learning Programme, this route allowed them to continue working with AEW while pursuing their studies and working towards membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Johan and Louis are set to graduate later this year.

More recently, we have supported Matt Bell and Alice Wright as they undertake their Architect (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship with Birmingham City University. This 4.5-year programme enables them to complete the equivalent of both their Part II and Part III qualifications. The course is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The Benefits of a Degree Apprenticeship

All four apprentices balance four days of work in the office with one dedicated university day per week. This approach allows them to gain real-world project experience, benefit from in-house mentorship, and access practice resources – all while earning a regular salary.

Matt, who is set to graduate in December, shared his experience: “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.”

Louis showed similar support: “Choosing this route was a no brainer! I much prefer a hands-on approach to education as I find it easier to learn through practice which is what an apprenticeship is all about. I can gain real world experience while still learning. I can’t recommend a Degree Apprenticeship enough. It’s a strong way to get your foot in the door and excel in the industry.”

Alice added: “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.”

AEW’s Head of People, Karey Wardhaugh also shared her support for Apprenticeships: “We’ve had great success supporting professional development through our apprenticeships. Offering a flexible approach into our profession, alongside the more established route, makes it more accessible, and encourages a diverse talent pool, which is fantastic for the next generation of professionals, and the industry as a whole. ”

Expanding Opportunities

We are continually broadening our training and development offerings. Most recently, we joined Sheffield University’s Collaborative Practice programme, a two-year, full-time master’s degree that blends practice-based education in the first year with university-based education in the second year.

If you’re considering your career path, or exploring your next steps in the industry, check out these resources:

• National Apprenticeship Week
• Becoming an Architect (via RIBA)
• Architectural Apprenticeships (via RIBA)
• Studying Architectural Technology (via CIAT)
• Architectural Technology Apprenticeships (via CIAT)

We are proud to support diverse routes into the profession and look forward to seeing our apprentices thrive in their careers!