How to become a qualified Architect through the apprenticeship route

This week we caught up with one of our colleagues Jas Sandhu, who talked us through the key aspects of the master’s level Architect Degree Apprenticeship programme.

So Jas, tell us about the Architect Apprenticeship?

“Apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience alongside academic training, and here at DMU we offer the master’s level degree in Architecture as an apprenticeship programme. This means you can earn a salary alongside study, and with the government Apprenticeship Levy, your course fees are paid for you.”

Are there any requirements to applying?

“Yes, you do need to be employed by an organisation who will support your participation in the programme. This includes 20% of your time off-the-job studying - so it’s a big commitment. In terms of what qualifications are needed to study the Architect Apprenticeship, you need to be Part 1 validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB), and you will also need to have completed the level 6 (degree level) Architect qualification.”

What do you achieve with the Architect Apprenticeship?

“Well the programme is fully accredited by RIBA and ARB, recognising that the course content meets and exceeds the criteria set out by both UK professional bodies. Successful completion of the master’s level Architect Apprenticeship will give you a Master’s in Architecture (MArch), the Architect Degree Apprenticeship (level 7) and a PG Diploma in Architectural Practice. In addition, it also provides apprentices with RIBA and ARB Part 2 and Part 3 certification enabling them to complete their Architect training.”

How is the Architect Apprenticeship funded?

“There are lots of benefits to studying the Architect Apprenticeship, and the main one being that programme is funded by the government’s Apprenticeship Levy. So students can receive the same master’s level qualification but without having to pay for it. What’s the catch I hear you ask? Well no catch, but the Apprenticeship Levy funding can be complicated, so we’re here to help guide organisations through how to use it. Depending on the size of organisation you work for, the programme will either be fully-funded by the Levy or will cover 95% of the cost, so then it’s only a small charge to your employer.”

What does the study commitment look like?

“The Architect Degree Apprenticeship is a master’s level programme, so it takes four years to complete. It’s a blended approach, so during the first three years apprentices will need to attend DMU for one day a week during term-time. They will also need to complete further self-directed study, and in the final year the mode changes slightly to more intensive blocks of study, which is great because it fully-embeds the learning and supports apprentices towards the End Point Assessment for the programme.”

Why should people choose DMU?

“Well we have one of the oldest and most established schools of architecture in the UK. The Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) was established in 1897, so it has a strong sense of academic and professional community. Also our teaching staff are published authors, academic specialists and career architectural educators, meaning students are taught by practicing architects.”

Is it possible to find an Architect Apprenticeship vacancy?

“Most of our apprentices come to us from existing employment with a company who is happy to support their participation in the programme. If you are looking for work, national apprenticeship vacancies can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship but I would advise you to also be proactive and reach out to local organisations. See if they are looking to recruit new staff and highlight the apprenticeship route if they are not already aware of it.”

How do I find out more?

“We’re very happy to discuss the programme and application process with either yourself or your employer, just get in touch with us via [email protected] or reach out to me personally via [email protected]”

For more information on the apprenticeship programme visit www.dmu.ac.uk/architectapprenticeship.??

Jas Sandhu

Business Development Manager for the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities

De Montfort University (DMU)