Becoming an Architectural Technologist – Apprenticeship Edition!

It’s no secret that our approach to recruitment and developing our people is to ‘grow from within’. We’re very proud of our record of developing people, in fact more than 50% of our leadership team is made up of people who have come through the ranks at LSI Architects.

Working for long-term sustainability, our approach means that it’s important to always be looking for talented and enthusiastic young professionals to join our team and continue to develop their skills, knowledge, and experience with us.

In 2023, we shared Kate’s journey to becoming one of the UK’s first Architects to qualify via apprenticeship. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week this year, we’d like to introduce you to our two Trainee Architectural Technologists, Henry and James, who are set to qualify later this year.

Henry joined LSI Architects in 2018, initially working two days per week to complete the necessary industry placement hours needed for his Level 3 BTEC Extended National diploma in Construction and The Built Environment, which he studied at City College Norwich. Henry then became a full-time employee after completing the course in July 2019.

James joined LSI slightly later than Henry, as a full-time trainee in 2019, having just finished his A-levels at Paston College. He had previously completed a week of work experience at LSI earlier in the year.

They both went on to complete their HND in Construction and the Built Environment at City College Norwich in June 2022, fully funded by the practice, whilst continuing to work full-time. This period saw them each contribute to a range of projects across the practice, including Harlington School, Fairview Alternative Provision School, and St Catherine’s Hospice.

In September 2022, Henry and James returned to their studies once more, this time at London South Bank University, to complete an apprenticeship in Architectural Technology – the final step in their journey to qualifying!

This CIAT accredited apprenticeship covers Level 5 and Level 6, and is spread over 3 years. Whilst this makes it slightly longer than the traditional fulltime course, it has allowed both Henry and James to gain several years of real-life practice experience and really home in on applying their skills to projects.

Henry said that “My experience as an apprentice architectural technologist has been great. It has been a perfect blend of learning the theory at college/university and getting experience in the industry through working on real projects. This route has given me valuable knowledge into how other disciplines in construction work, improving my understanding of how the industry works together as a whole.”

Studying via an apprenticeship can make higher education more accessible due to the financial support that can be offered by companies. All apprentices at LSI Architects are supported with a full salary, inclusive of performance pay reviews and a profit related bonus scheme.

James said that “I have enjoyed being an apprentice because it gives you the opportunity to be supported and develop into your role whilst you qualify to do so. The experience on live projects helps to make academic learning more relevant as you can see how what you’re studying might apply to the job, putting you ahead of those that study full-time.”

Whilst they started on different pathways, they have each completed the bulk of their qualifications together, and in doing so have built a close friendship outside of work.

Henry:

James:

Associate HR Manager Katrina Parsons, said: “It has been a privilege to watch both Henry and James develop their skills and knowledge, and they are both hugely valued members of the LSI Team. They work incredibly hard at their studies whilst maintaining their commitment to their project work. The degree apprenticeship route is not at easy one and requires dedication and adaptability, and both Henry and James have shown they have this in abundance.”  

Henry and James aren’t the only employees we are supporting when it comes to qualifications. In fact, 14% of our team are currently working towards a qualification funded by LSI, with the majority being via apprenticeship! Here’s what they’re up to:

Chloe Jessett – Chloe joined LSI Architects in 2017 as a Business Administration Apprentice. Since then, she has progressed to play an integral role within our marketing team and is currently working towards her Level 3 Apprenticeship with Cambridge Marketing College.

Emilia Blyskal – Emilia joined LSI Architects as an Architectural Assistant in May 2021 after graduating from the University of the West of England. Emilia is based in LSI’s London studio where she is currently working within our healthcare team. Emilia attends London Metropolitan University on day release, where she is completing the third year of her Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship.

Holly Whiting – Holly joined LSI in the summer of 2021 having completed her BA at Norwich University of the Arts, where she was the Architecture course representative. Holly currently attends London Metropolitan University on day release where she is completing her Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship alongside Emilia.

Niah Shepherd – Niah joined LSI in August 2023 following several instalments of work experience at the Practice. Niah is currently in her second year at London South Bank University, where she is studying as LSI’s first Level 6 Architectural Apprentice.

Yoanna Kostadinova – Yoanna joined LSI in September 2023, having recently graduated from the University of Kent. Yoanna is attending London Metropolitan University where she is completing the first year of her Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship.