The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has launched a degree apprenticeship in architectural technology following calls from industry.
Some of the region’s top architecture companies have already signed employees up to the new course, which will begin in September. This includes family-owned Collinson Construction, based in Garstang, Preston-based Cassidy and Ashton and Aew Architects in Manchester.
The University has introduced the degree apprenticeship route on the back of feedback from several regional businesses who wanted to develop their employees’ skills through study alongside on-the-job training. Employers can also take advantage of the apprenticeship levy, which allows larger businesses to pay for training through their levy account, while smaller businesses can benefit from government funding to cover 95% of course costs, or even the full cost via levy transfer* if they are eligible.
Collinson Construction is enrolling a team member on the course after already seeing another member of staff, senior architectural technologist James Swarbrick, benefit from studying at UCLan.
Tim Potter, architectural design team manager at Collinson Construction, said: “Having degree apprenticeships gives us an intrinsic link to the University. It provides an up-to-date understanding of the content taught on architectural technology and allows us to monitor the latest industry trends.
“We are able to upskills our staff in the relevant areas of the profession and tailor our resource strategy to ensure we are joined up with the University to give the student a strong skill set.”
Alistair Baines, Chairman of Cassidy and Ashton, said: “As a long standing Preston based firm of architects we are delighted to support the new degree apprenticeship at UCLan and look forward to continuing to grow our links with our local University from which we have recruited a number of staff over the years.”
Commercial Director of Aew Architects Colin Savage commented: “A key priority in our current business plan is to ensure we continue to invest in our people and provide the appropriate support, training and opportunities for our future generations.
“It’s therefore great to be involved in this pioneering new course, which provides an alternative route to becoming an architectural technologist. We look forward to supporting our degree apprentices Johan and Louis to complete their studies whilst continuing their employment and mentoring with Aew.”
Ann Vanner, course leader for the architectural technology degree apprenticeship, added: “We’re excited to launch this new course in response to industry demands.
“We know that employers are keen to invest in their best asset, their workforce, and the degree apprenticeship route delivers highly skilled individuals who not only fill the skills gaps but also help to bring new ideas and innovation into the business.” More information about UCLan’s new degree apprenticeship in architectural technology can be found on the UCLan website, by emailing uclanapprenticeships@uclan.ac.uk or by calling 01772 895500.
