Build The Way Internship

A 9-month entry-level architecture traineeship providing an alternative and accessible route into a career designing and making buildings, spaces, cities, and communities.

Our purpose is to provide alternative routes into the industry with the aim of diversifying the profession to ensure cities are designed by those who inhabit them. Historically a career in architecture relies on being able to fund multiple university degrees and having connections within the industry. This lack of accessibility, support and diversity has a knock-on effect with inadequate representation in the workplace in architecture/built environment companies.

Running from October to July, the yearly programme provides valuable training for young people alongside paying them the London Living Wage. With no experience-based barriers to application; places are offered to those who can show a passion for design and cities. Trainees are also enrolled at the London School of Architecture’s Extended Programme Qualification (worth up to 28 UCAS points for higher education) which presents the practice of spatial design as a collective endeavour with a focus on context and sustainability.

Build The Way hopes to be a part of the movement and debate around architectural education and training, changing the future landscape.

Who is it for?

Our mission is to attract more young people of all backgrounds into the world of architecture and place-making. We want to challenge conventional routes into the profession and be a part of the debate on architectural education.

As SME practices, we are adept and at the forefront of innovation; our studios are great learning spaces for young people and can inspire future careers either directly in architecture or within the disciplines we collaborate with.

What do you learn?

The programme introduces the architectural design process, with exposure to real construction projects, and other professionals and consultants involved in making buildings, cities and placemaking. Trainees receive creative and technical support, with mentorship by industry professionals POoR Collective and career advice in-house. By the end of the 9 months, trainees will have acquired vital professional experience, an EPQ, an architectural portfolio, and technical training, and have made key industry connections.

The trainees are employed by a collective of London-based SME practices with staff numbers under 50. These organisations are powerful drivers in levelling up young talent yet many face barriers when hiring entry-level positions due to time, resource, and cost pressures. As such, the trainee salaries are partly subsidised through funding which ensures the programme is commercially viable for SME practices.

Why did we start
the traineeship?

There is a drastic need to diversify the architecture and built environment industry. Recent research from the ARB reveals that a mere 20% of architects come from minority ethnic backgrounds, with only 31% identifying as female or non-binary. Our mission is to open doors for enthusiastic individuals with an interest in careers related to city-making and design, with a particular focus on engaging with those without formal education or work experience.

This initiative allows participants to explore the skills essential in architecture and design, fostering a chance to actively contribute to city development. Despite industry initiatives, there remains a scarcity of opportunities for young people to gain practical experience before completing higher education. Build The Way seeks to bridge this gap and create a pathway for aspiring individuals to engage in the industry early on.