Foster + Partners has chaired a Trailblazer Group of 20 architectural practices to create the UK’s first Architecture Apprenticeship Standards, in collaboration with RIBA, ARB and over a dozen UK universities. The group has developed two apprenticeship standards: Architectural Assistant, which comprises of Part 1 qualification, and Architect, which includes Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications. Both these standards have now been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships combine practical experience in the workplace with academic training provided by a university. The academic training can be delivered by any UK university offering an ARB prescribed qualification. Apprentices are exempted from paying tuition fee and will also receive a salary and other employee related benefits.
The apprenticeships have been set up to improve the link between practice and academia, while also contributing to improving diversity in the profession. The approval of the scheme demonstrates how the industry can work together to make a positive contribution in the development of the profession.
A number of universities are expected to be ready to deliver courses in September 2018.
