GSS Architecture is a RIBA Chartered Practice founded in 1879. Over the past 140 years the practice has grown to over 60 people in five offices across the UK, who work on projects ranging from museums to university buildings and hospitals.
For National Apprenticeship Week 2020, we spoke to GSS Architecture apprentice Shannon Walker and Associate Architect Simon Rennison-Rae who work at the Newcastle office to find out more about the value of apprenticeships to the profession.
Shannon Walker, apprentice at GSS Architecture, says: "Having always been interested in design, I have chosen to train as an architect because I feel that it offers a great path for career progression and development. It was always my aim to complete my Part 2 studies whilst working part time. When Northumbria University started to offer the apprenticeship course it seemed like the perfect route for me to continue my studies.
I am able to gain practical experience through the range of projects which I work on both independently and collaboratively with my team. These range from small-scale residential developments to multi-million-pound higher-education developments. I can learn and experience scenarios in real time with the support of my in-office mentor and colleagues. This could not be replicated in an academic environment.
The biggest challenge so far has been balancing my work, academic and home life. This has been particularly testing when I have had deadlines to meet. I have found that managing people’s expectations has been really important.
Apprenticeships offer mutual benefit to both the apprentice and the practice. I am able to get invaluable experience in a professional environment whilst progressing my academic qualifications. Equally practices can maintain continuity in personnel and have an influence in shaping the future of the profession."
"Shannon was already working with us when apprenticeships were introduced at Northumbria University," says Simon Rennison-Rae, Associate Architect at GSS Architecture. "We were keen to retain Shannon at the practice and support her through Part 2 of her training.
In her daily work she is involved at all stages of the process, from design to working on site, dealing with contractor queries and fee-bidding.
The benefits for an apprentice are not just financial; they gain a breadth of practical experience and are exposed to a network of industry contacts, all whilst gaining the academic qualifications which underpin their work.
We nurture apprentices by ensuring that time is set aside for their academic study. We also ensure that time is set aside for PEDR sessions, internal CPD and mentoring sessions. The mentor is also there as a sounding board for academic work the apprentice is working on. We also run design reviews for academic projects so that the team knows what Shannon is working on.
We actively encourage apprenticeships as a route into the profession and advertise positions directly with universities. We are transparent about the benefits and the challenges that apprenticeships pose. Apprenticeships are a two-way commitment; for the long-term professional development of an apprentice and also the practice, particularly in terms of staff retention.
Hopefully apprenticeships will allow more opportunity for diversity in the profession. As the level of debt is lower, I hope it will encourage individuals from less affluent backgrounds, mature students or those more focused on entering employment sooner to apply."
At RIBA, we can support you whether you're looking to become an architecture apprentice, or if you're looking to employ an apprentice at your architecture practice.
RIBA Future Architects also offers information and resources for students and early career architects.
Join our conversations about National Apprenticeship Week 2020 on social media using the hashtags #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, #NAW2020 and #LookBeyond.
