Solus sponsors Build The Way Traineeship, breaking barriers into architecture and design

We’re excited to be sponsoring the Build The Way Traineeship, an initiative from GPAD and HUT Architecture.

Architecture and Design is a notoriously challenging field to enter. Positions are limited, competition is fierce, and often those with additional sources of income are better able to stay the course and land the coveted placements, not only of talent, but also economic background. To mitigate this attrition of talented, less well-off candidates, GPAD and HUT Architecture have launched the Build The Way Traineeship, with the financial support of Solus Ceramics.

Build The Way arises from the belief that there should be more accessible and affordable routes into architecture, and that it is to our detriment as a society that the ideas of generations of talented designers are lost due to financial constraints.

Charles Bettes, Managing Director at GPAD explains, “Our industry needs to find ways to be inclusive and open to anyone who has the drive and ambition to be a part of it. With education becoming increasingly expensive, this is our way of offering a different route into architecture and teaching a young person some skills that they can use whatever the next steps they choose to take may be.”

The educational goals of the programme are to mentor young people and develop in them the interpersonal and practical skills necessary to succeed in the field of architecture and design. Trainees will work alongside experienced architects and designers to produce 2D drawings and 3D computer models. They will have a seat at the table during design discussions and will be encouraged to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the daily life of the practice. Trainees will also visit sites and see architects, planner, urban designers, and contractors at work. They also will be seconded to partners during ‘Insight Days’ to give them a broader understanding of the industry.

Chloe Mawette was the first Build The Way trainee and demonstrated the success of the scheme, leading to its expansion this year. “I’d say the most rewarding part of the traineeship so far is having access to a wide range of connections within the industry. Having the privilege of being the first BTW Trainee gives me a foundation to build on and I hope will inspire others to take other unconventional routes. I also receive support from my colleagues and mentors from POoR so that I can boost my profile.”

By the end of the traineeship, as well as nine months experience working at an architecture practice, candidates will have competed a 120-hour Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with the London School of Architecture. The EPQ will include a portfolio of the work generated while on the traineeship which can be taken forward to recruitment. Mentors will also help trainees craft CVs to accurately present all the learning and experience that they have gained. With this support, trainees should be able to land a paid apprenticeship or full-time employment with the option to follow RIBA Studio, a practice-based route to architectural qualifications.

There are three traineeships available at participating practices which will run for nine months. Trainees will be paid a living London wage for a minimum of 32 hours work per week. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Deadline for applications is 27th August 2023 and the start date for the traineeship is 2nd October 2023.