​​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;

1. 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.
2. Creative workshops taking place throughout the UK aimed at introducing young people to an exciting array of creative mediums, techniques, processes, industries and careers.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Applications for 2025 Youth Forum

Applications for 2025 Youth Forum are now open. We are looking for young people aged 16 to 18 years who have an active interest in architecture, the built environment and/or creative industries to be part of RIBA’s Youth Forum. Participants should be able and committed to meeting at RIBA’s headquarters (66 Portland Place) on one Saturday of each month between 2pm to 4pm.  Forum members will; 

• Take part in creative workshops aimed at introducing them to an exciting array of creative mediums, techniques, processes, industries and careers.  
• Help shape RIBA’s Young People’s Programme through discussing and developing ideas for activities, events, projects, resources and marketing.  
• Provide feedback on and help to evaluate activities, events, projects, resources and marketing.  
• Act as advocates and ambassadors for RIBA’s Young People’s Programme.  
• Promote RIBA’s Young People’s Programme to peers, participants and professionals. 

Time commitment and delivery schedule  

Members of the Youth Forum will be expected to commit to the following dates of the programme: 

(Please note that some dates are subject to change due to scheduling. Participants will be notified in advance) 

• Attend meetings at RIBA HQ on 24 May, 28 June, 26 July, 18 August, 20 September, 25 October, 15 November, 6 December, 10 January, 18 February, 31 March, 8 April and the 2 May between 2pm and 4pm.  
• Participate in regular email and social media correspondence with fellow Young People’s Forum members and RIBA Learning staff.  
• Attend any activities or events that forum members would like to (this will not be compulsory) 

Key dates 

• Expression of interest submission deadline: 5 May 2025 
• Selection of Young People’s Forum members: 12 May 2025 
• First meeting of Young People’s Forum: 24 May 2pm to 4pm. 

How to apply

If you are interested in being considered for RIBA’s Young People’s Forum, please send your expression of interest no later than 5 May 2025 by 5pm.  

Please email or Wetransfer your expression of interest to ivy.edemafaka@riba.org. You can also email with any questions you have about the project.  

Your expression of interest should include the following;  

• Either an A4 page of writing or a 30-60 second video introducing yourself, what you like about architecture and/or the built environment, why you are interested in being a member of the Young People’s Forum, information on your studies, paid or voluntary work, hobbies, and interests that might be relevant.  
• Please also include either a short written or film critique of either your favourite building or piece of architecture or of your local neighbourhood.  

We will be looking for candidates who can communicate imaginatively with fellow young people, who can motivate curiosity, passion and excitement about the build environment, and who are confident in expressing and listening to ideas, opinions, and aspirations.  

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 study architecture and to work as an architect:

• RIBA Study Architecture Well (PDF) - this downloadable PDF shows what it’s like to study architecture at university
• ArchiLadder - This website is a free and open resource that compiles information and opinions from architecture students and graduates about their courses. Students can search and filter courses based on features like free printing, free Adobe software access, and more. Additionally, they can view graduate work through thumbnails linked to each university entry, as well as through the Graduate Showcase. The showcase is an online gallery of visual graduate work and written descriptions that provide students with a sense of the university's overall approach and design philosophy.
• A guide to architectural practices (PDF) - 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 - RIBA Future Architects (PDF) - 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 the Found Futures video resource library.