Apprenticeships should be more widely available in architecture to provide a route into the profession for people from more diverse backgrounds, writes Ayo Ambali.
We must dispel the idea that there is only one way of becoming a qualified architect. The status quo – that you have to do part one, then part two, then part three all in a perfect order – has prevailed for far too long.
As a career path and journey to qualification, architecture cannot be a one-size-fits-all sector. What suits one person may not suit another, and it goes against the very nature of the discipline, which is so exciting and varied in terms of approaches to building design and presenting the art of the possible.
We need more studios to create opportunities for aspiring architects and designers from all backgrounds and ultimately make the profession more inclusive and diverse.
There are simply too many barriers to entering the industry
At present, there are simply too many barriers to entering the industry. The traditional study routes are often financially draining, time consuming, and lacking in diversity. All of this can be demotivating for anyone seeking a passage into the industry, especially if they come from an ethnic-minority group.
I was lucky enough to enter architecture through an apprenticeship. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work in practice and to develop my career.
Apprenticeships are an aid to attracting the best talent, not just the individuals who can afford to go to university and tread the traditional path. Money, or lack of it, is always a huge factor when it comes to people deciding not to enter this industry. Tuition fees and the vast associated costs of attending university can be near impossible for some, even with the backing of student finance.
By offering the ability to "earn while you learn", apprenticeships open the door for those who may not come from the best financial circumstances. They can be the key to not only accessing a passionate yet untapped workforce, but also improving the quality of life for so many who may not have had similar options and opportunities in the past.
That isn't to denigrate the university route, but some firms need to see the value in gaining someone they can put to work and develop while on the go. More than simply a cheaper option, apprenticeships are the tangible first step to transforming the relationship between employers and educators, a process that needs to happen if positive change in architecture is to materialise.
As a black person, one of the most striking things I have observed in getting to this point is that there are not enough black mentors in architecture. Sharing a room with other ethnic minorities in the Will+Partners apprenticeship academy who share similar passions and determination to pursue a career based on what they love has definitely motivated me. It was reassuring to know that other people like me, who are also inspired by architecture, were out there.
The keys to driving inclusivity in our sector lie within academies
Meeting them was one of the biggest reasons I was able to keep focused and push through my studies. It helped me win a scholarship prize through the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, a life-changing moment that helped tremendously with my architectural education before I started my masters at Westminster. I was inspired and motivated to pursue my dreams by seeing others like me overcoming similar obstacles.
My goal now is to pass on that same drive to other young aspiring architects from under-represented backgrounds, and show them that if I can do it, they can too. While apprenticeships can provide a valuable incentive through on-the-job learning and pay, the real key to success is finding the motivation to pursue one's ambitions despite the deterrents. If I can be that point of motivation for someone younger looking to enter this incredible industry, that would be the biggest blessing I could ever ask for.
The keys to driving inclusivity in our sector lie within academies set up by architectural practices. This is the best way for budding architects to see how other like-minded people have carved out their careers.
I've often been asked my opinions about architecture firms that say they want to become more diverse but aren't doing anything to break down the barriers for people from less privileged backgrounds. What about all the times we hear 'diversity' and 'inclusivity' thrown about like empty buzzwords?
My belief is that a lot of these firms genuinely want to be more diverse and accessible, but lack a clear method of how to do so. Apprenticeships are a key pathway for a new breadth of people to join your cohort and diversify, inspire and uplift how you operate as a business from the inside.
As an industry, we have the power to positively impact everybody through designs that promote wellbeing, productivity and smarter living, and everybody deserves the chance to hold that power. Let's remain hopeful and motivated to push for positive change together.
Ayo Ambali is an architectural assistant at Will+Partners and a graduate of the University of Westminster.
The photo is by Marvin Meyer via Unsplash.
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