From Work Experience to Apprentice

M P Architects LLP are proud to support local schools and colleges and is happy for young aspiring Architects and Interior Designers to spend time with us carrying out work experience.

Some of these young people enjoy it so much we have invited them back to spend more time with us during their holidays. At our Practice, students get the opportunity to use AutoCAD and Revit as well as join architects’ on-site visits and surveys to get an insight into life as an Architect.

Martyn Pattie visits local schools to give career talks about the life of an Architect and what it is like to work in the industry.

Last year M P Architects LLP were joined by a work-experience student called Ellie-Mae. She was confident, enthusiastic and keen to learn the ins and outs of what is involved in being an Architect. Ellie-Mae had previously used Photoshop but had no architectural experience. After her week shadowing the team Ellie-Mae was able to comfortably navigate AutoCAD at a basic level and produce a drawing as specified.

Following Ellie-Mae’s work experience, she saw an open day advertised at London South Bank University (LSBU) – she went to enquire to find out more. One of the courses they were offering was an Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship – Architecture BA (Hons).

The main appeal was that the course was accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This accreditation means you satisfy the criteria for RIBA Part 1 exemption when you complete your apprenticeship, putting you one step closer to becoming registered as an architect.

Ellie-Mae approached M P Architects LLP to consider if it would be possible for the Practice to sponsor her. Martyn Pattie (Practice Partner) was delighted to offer Ellie-Mae a position at the Practice as a Junior Architectural Assistant and to sponsor her on the apprentice scheme at London South Bank University.

Ellie-Mae joined the practice in September 2019. Over the last 8 weeks, Ellie-Mae has hit the ground running. She is determined, driven and not afraid of hard work or to ask questions to learn and get involved.

We are delighted to have her as part of the team and are keen to support her through her studies over the next few years as she settles into her role and is committed to working toward becoming a qualified architect.

Claudia Gregory

B.Sc. (Hons) Social Sciences, MA in Personnel and Development

Practice Manager