Community Update Special Edition

??Introducing CO-academy??

We're thrilled to announce that CO-architecture has officially launched Australia's first architecture and design bootcamp, CO-academy. Dedicated to bridging the gap between academic training and employment needs in the industry.

?? Aligning Education with Industry Needs

Our strategy at CO-academy is centered around creating a synergy between educational theory and practical application. We’re addressing the evolving demands of the architecture and design industry and the challenges faced by new graduates through a holistic approach. This includes:

• Mentoring and Networking: Providing students with access to experienced professionals for guidance and industry insights.
• Curricular Revisions: Incorporating practical applications, industry-relevant skills, and internships into our educational programs to better prepare graduates for professional challenges.

?? Insights from Our EOI Initiative

In December, we launched an Expression of Interest for our upcoming bootcamp, receiving an overwhelming response of over 400 applications. This demonstrated a significant interest in our program and the industry's needs.

Key Takeaways from Discovery Calls:

• Bootcamp Expectations: Applicants emphasised the need for a curriculum that combines technical skills with real-world project experience, including learning current industry software and sustainable design practices.
• Challenges Faced by Graduates: A notable gap was identified between academic theory and the practical skills required in the workforce. Graduates are seeking more hands-on experience, mentorship, and transition support to professional roles.

This valuable feedback has been pivotal in shaping our bootcamp to meet the actual needs and aspirations of future architects and designers.

?? Celebrating Our Inaugural Cohort

We extend our congratulations to the 22 talented individuals selected for our first cohort: Jafar, Brian, Debaprana, Tarika, Amanda, Karen, Georgius, Swasti, Lachlan, Jacob, Xianke, Giorgia, Riya, Maria, Agostina, Nikki, Rozy, Mia, Chloe, Masha, Julia, and Param. Cohort 1 commencing on February 5th.

?? Cohort 2: Applications Now Open!

Following the success of our inaugural cohort, we are excited to announce that applications for Cohort 2 are now open! We invite aspiring architects and designers who are passionate about making a mark in the industry to apply and join this transformative journey. Apply Here.

?? Calling Employers to Get Involved

Employers play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce and can greatly benefit from access to our pool of skilled, work-ready graduates. We invite industry partners to get involved with CO-academy’s initiatives. Opportunities include mentorship, internships, and collaborative projects. Interested parties can reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

?? Learn More in Our Blog Post

For more details, check out our new blog post, "Bridging the Gap with Work-Ready Graduates in Architecture and Design."

?? A Special Thank You

Every piece of feedback we’ve received has been instrumental in guiding us to this point. We are immensely grateful to everyone who shared their insights and experiences. Your contributions have been vital in launching Australia's first architecture and design bootcamp dedicated to bridging the gap.

Stay tuned for more updates!

#COacademy #ArchitectureEducation #DesignInnovation #IndustryCollaboration