Isabelle is gaining hands-on experience while working towards her architectural qualification, supported by mentors and colleagues across the practice.
Choosing an apprenticeship allowed Isabelle to combine the best of both worlds: continuing her studies while gaining practical experience in a professional environment.
What made you choose an architecture apprenticeship over a traditional university route?
I loved university for the friends I made and the experiences I had, but I struggled with the way the course was structured. This wasn’t necessarily anything to do with the course itself, but more the way I learn. I find I work better when things are less theoretical and more practical, so I knew I was better suited to being in the workplace, working with real clients and real projects. Being able to see the work I was doing in practice helped motivate me.
I didn’t want to give up the university experience or the opportunity to qualify, so the apprenticeship felt like the best way to combine the two. It allows me to continue working and progress towards my qualification.
How has mentorship from experienced architects supported your learning and growth?
Yes. KSS has been great at supporting and mentoring all of the Part 1s and Part 2s, not just me. As part of the apprenticeship, I have a practice mentor (Edward Atkins), who I meet with regularly to discuss university, how things are going and whether there is anything I need.
I also get mentorship from everyone I work with. People are always happy to spend time making sure I properly understand something, or to discuss my university projects to offer their advice and opinions. We also have regular mentoring sessions with Andy Simons (Director) where everyone has the opportunity to ask questions. Even discussing things like preparing for the Part 3 exam has been useful as it’s given me a better understanding of what’s to come.
What’s been the most exciting part of your apprenticeship, so far?
It’s hard to pick one thing. My first year has been a complicated whirlwind of learning new systems and adapting to a completely different way of working at Oxford Brookes University, especially because the university course is very self-motivated and hands-off; you often don’t know if you’re doing what they are expecting.
The coursework itself is very similar to what you would expect on a standard university route, but you do it over a prolonged period of time. I’ve definitely enjoyed being able to research my personal interests freely, looking at women’s sport and sport architecture in general and then choosing a project that aligns with these topics. I also have really enjoyed meeting people on the course. In June we all spent some time living in university halls together, and I have made some great friends from that, who I even see outside of university now.
What’s the best thing about the company’s culture for apprentices?
I would say it’s the amount of understanding and support everyone has when it comes to studying. There is a real priority placed on making sure I can focus on my studies and have everything I need. I am currently the only apprentice at KSS, and there has only ever been one other, so it’s quite new to them too. The understanding also makes taking my study days much easier and more flexible, knowing that everyone understands what we signed up for.
What are your career goals, and how is this apprenticeship helping you get there?
The apprenticeship is good because it allows me to eventually qualify with a minimum of five years’ experience at the company, which I realise this gives me a head start over some of my peers. I’d eventually like to progress within the company into a senior or higher-level role, so I hope that the prolonged experience I’m gaining at KSS would put me in a good position to do that.
What would you say to someone considering an architecture apprenticeship about the benefits and opportunities it offers?
I would say it’s not an easier route – it’s just different. It requires a fair amount of self-motivation, it’s not often immediately clear what is expected from you, so you need to let go of that perfectionist mindset that I feel we all gain at university. You have to be comfortable figuring things out as you go and rolling with the punches.
However, there are some huge benefits. I don’t have to take out a postgraduate loan; I earn a full salary, and that has allowed me to progress in my personal life. The balance between studying and working can be challenging, but once you find a routine that works for you, it becomes much easier.
For me, the biggest benefit is being able to gain my qualification while building real-world experience. It’s challenging, but I do realise how much I am learning every day in practice, which makes it worth it.