With more than 18,600 students studying architecture as Part I and Part II at university in 2021/2022, an increase of 10 per cent from the previous year, there has never been a better time to continue encouraging the upward trend of young people joining the industry.
GSSArchitecture, a national architecture practice that was founded in 1879, have had a longstanding relationship with local schools, colleges, and universities in their respective regions, and have always supported work experience and work placement opportunities for young people. In the last five years, across their five national offices, they have supported over 40 people with their careers either through work experience, university year-out placements or apprenticeships.
As Investors in People Gold Standard, GSS are committed to the training and development of all members of their teams. For example, 5 out of their 8 current partners started at GSS through a professional training programme.
Throughout 2023, the Practice has committed to working with several young people across the country who want to complete their work experience. With the statistics showing that the amount of people choosing architecture as a career path is increasing, GSS are committed to supporting these students by giving them access to their world of work.
Senior Partner at GSS, Tom Lyons, said, “Gaining first-hand experience from an early age allows students to understand how a career in architecture and the wider construction industry works. They can have a better understanding and make a more informed decision on whether this is the route for them.
“More and more people are becoming involved in architecture with the goal of reducing the construction industry’s impact on the environment and changing this from within. We want to support this in any way we can, and by attending regular careers fairs and giving talks about architecture and how we can make it a more sustainable career option, as well as how we can make a difference in the world, then we can encourage people to be part of the change they want to see.”
One student who recently completed their work experience at GSSArchitecture, said, “I would like to say thank you for having me for my work experience. Everyone I have met has been very welcoming and friendly, and always offered help when asked. This time has been especially useful to me in learning what it is like as an architect and what happens each day of work. This will definitely help me in terms of choosing architecture as a career.”