Young People: Skills development and social events
Events, courses, and opportunities for ages 15 to 18.
We offer a range of opportunities for young people to learn more about architecture and the architectural profession. Our programmes focus on knowledge building and skills development. Collaborating with peers and practitioners, young people explore architecture in real world contexts and in relationship to other artistic and creative practices.
Skill Up for ages 15 to 18
Designed to ‘Skill Up’ teenagers who are thinking about studying architecture or design, in past workshops participants have learnt how to work to an architectural brief, improve portfolios, use photography effectively and develop architectural drawing skills using traditional and digital media. Participants work individually and collaboratively to think about how to design sustainable and responsible architecture.
Skill Up workshops are only in-person and are led by architects and artist-educators. See future Skill Up workshops.
More programmes for young people
RIBA Learning Young People’s Programme aims to be both inclusive and informative. The programme has been designed to respond to young people’s needs and interests whilst introducing them to architecture, the built environment and to a range of creative industries.
RIBA's Young People’s Programme is made up of several strands including;
- Digital resources, activities and events that explore what architecture and the built environment are and routes into careers linked to architecture and the built environment.
- Creative workshops taking place throughout the UK aimed at introducing young people to an exciting array of creative mediums, techniques, processes, industries and careers.
- Work experience and mentoring programmes for young people who want to become architects and/or built environment professionals with workshops and advice focusing on portfolio and interview preparation and writing successful UCAS letters and CVs.
- Networking opportunities to enable young people to meet like-minded peers, academics and professionals working in the sector and to form connections that can help them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
To ensure that the Young People’s Programme is appealing and relevant, and to ensure that participants can have agency over their own learning, we have established a Young People’s Forum made up of young people from across London who can give feedback on RIBA’s programmes, activities and resources for young people and who can share their own ideas for programme themes and content.
We have completed the application process for 2024 but we will be recruiting for new members of the Youth Forum in April 2025.
Digital resources
Are you considering studying architecture at university? See our list of digital resources below for more information about what it’s like to work as an architect:
- RIBA Study Architecture Well - this downloadable PDF shows what it’s like to study architecture at university
- A guide to architectural practices - this downloadable PDF from RIBA Future Architects explains how to identify different types of architectural practices when looking for a job or work experience
- Meet the architects - this downloadable PDF from RIBA Future Architects profiles different architects and explores how they got their start in the sector
- Focus on Architecture online insight - Delivered in collaboration with RIBA, this online event featured a range of professionals working within architecture who have all entered through different pathways, including two current apprentices who shared their experience of the vocational training route, allowing them to earn while they learn
- Found Futures - demystifies the architecture industry and presents young people with insights from leading professionals from diverse backgrounds. Explore their video resource library.
Discover creative careers at RIBA
19 November, 11am to 3pm
This free event is for 16 to 18 year-olds who would like to know more about what it is like to train and work as an architect. The event is being delivered as part of the national discover creative careers week.
The schedule of the day will be as follows;
- 11am Welcome and introductions
- 11.15am to midday: Presentations by Jestico + Whiles architects
- Midday to 12.30pm: Presentation by Mariola Viegas
- 12.30pm to 1.15pm: Lunch
- 1.15pm to 2pm: Tour of RIBA and ‘Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds’ exhibition
- 2pm to 3pm: Presentation by Make architects
- 3pm to 3.30pm: Presentation by Allies and Morrison
To book your free space please email Sophie.draper@riba.org by the 17 November 2024.
About the speakers
Jestico + Whiles is an award-winning international architecture and interior design practice with offices in London and Prague. At the forefront of innovation and design excellence, the practice has won over 150 national and international awards.
Mariola Viegas is a passionate architect and design manager with focus on housing and education sector. With over 15 years post part 3 experience.
Founded in 2004 by Ken Shuttleworth, Make architects have teams in London, Hong Kong, Sydney and Shanghai providing architecture, interior, and urban design services from concept to completion with a commitment to resilient placemaking that creates social value for all.
Allies and Morrison is made up of a team of architects and urbanists. The practice strives to design beautiful buildings that have long life and can adapt over the generations. They also shape enduring places whether new pieces of city or settlements at any scale. All of the practice's projects are concerned with the crafting of every detail and an appreciation for the uniqueness of each context.
