Graduate Review

Design management: Reviewing technical details and drawings. Learning about all the elements of a build from design stage (RIBA 3/4) to construction and handover. attending design team meetings, client meetings. From the beginning of my role I have been involved in various parts of the organisation from learning about the role of a design manager to being based on site on a live project and even leading a few packages. The best part is the collaboration between architects/engineers and the people who actually build the project site team/manufacturers etc. to achieve client needs.

Skills I have developed: reviewing technical details, becoming more familiar with details which I wasn't exposed to at my degree level (architecture BA) and increasingly familiar with legislation and how it impacts a build. New skills I've learned: Being exposed to elements of the build I wouldn't have been at university or during jobs I had previously at architectural firms such as Ground works, engineering drawings and details, manufacturer products.

Very much enjoy the programme I am on, I initially started looking at working in construction (but still on the design side) as I was concerned that architecture Part 1 jobs lacked experience on site and It would take me a longer time to be able to be as involved in a project as I have been 6 months working here. Talking to people on my apprenticeship course confirmed this. I feel very immersed in the industry and my managers have always involved me in the project.

The scheme I am on is an established Graduate Scheme they've been running for a while. Process was 3 stage interview process, with an applicant day which I enjoyed because it gave me a good opportunity to see the people I would be working with and see whether I liked it. They have many apprentices in different areas of the business so getting on the architecture apprenticeship had a lot of support from the team. I've had a mentor from the beginning who I regularly meet and very approachable management. They are always keen for my feedback and involvement. In the first year we are also put on a level 4 housing qualification which is now benefitting me in my masters degree.

Very supportive, as mentioned everyone regardless of job title is approachable and even graduates are interviewed by directors/CEOs which is great. They are keen to get our feedback and since the start of the graduate scheme we've had meetings at certain points to get our honest feedback and always aim to improve.

We've got a dedicated person overseeing early careers who is very knowledgeable about the process and certain elements such as the 20% off the job (as part of the apprenticeship) have been gone through several times. I've never struggled to get advice or support from everyone, from my mentor, early careers manager, line manager etc.

I feel that my architecture apprenticeship has helped me in ways I didn't think it would such as time management, seeing things from an architects perspective more. Technical elements such as 3D/2D drawings have helped a lot. At the moment I feel my job is helping me more with my qualification than the other way around - my contacts gained through the level 4 qualification have helped me significantly for my dissertation proposal.

During my first year of my grad scheme I have been working towards a Level 4 qualification in housing which involved travelling to Glasgow, manchester, Northern Ireland. Next month I will be attending the 10 year anniversary of the event with guest speakers such as MP's. I've been to westminster with the scheme to talk directly to ministers about housing. I attend lectures a lot, most recently I went to one about sustainability. We regularly have design forums in the company.

Yes

It's a great place to begin a career especially if you like to be involved/immersed early on. You are given responsibility early on and management are always open to further training and development. There are always opportunities to get more involved within the company as well and different projects going on - great place to get lots of experience very quickly!

Application process is three stages: online application form, phone interview and an applicant day. Assessment days are very good at drawing all the sides of your personality out. You are given as much responsibility as you ask for and people are always willing to help. There are many roles within the company as well which is good.