After completing her undergraduate degree, Holly Porton has undertaken a Level 7 apprenticeship working for Clague architects. We recently spoke with Holly and her employer, Seb, to hear about her journey and their opinions on degree apprenticeships.
What attracted you to a degree apprenticeship over a traditional degree?
Holly: The main appeal of the apprenticeship for me, was the ability to continue working in practice whilst studying. After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent a little over a year working as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant. I found it to be incredibly enjoyable and felt the skills I was learning and the experience I was gaining tremendously valuable; something I didn’t want to lose if I returned to full time education.
The apprenticeship offered the opportunity to continue acquiring practical experience while simultaneously working toward my Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications. Additionally, it provided a valuable network of individuals, from my practice and at the university, whom I could turn to for guidance and advice.
Another key factor that attracted me to the apprenticeship, was the ability to avoid accumulating additional student debt. Apprentices receive a salary and do not cover the typical tuition fees associated with traditional degree programs, making this path a far more financially sustainable option.
Seb: To add some context, architecture is traditionally a very expensive subject to study. Aside from the tuition fees there are a lot of hidden costs, like printing and model-making materials, which can make it difficult for students to independently finance and make it a little too exclusive. On the apprenticeship students are still earning a salary, and also have the benefit of being in a working practice where they can access cheaper materials and printing. As an employer we’re proud to be able to help in removing some of those financial barriers to accessing the course, and opening up the subject to so many more people.
Describe a typical day in your current role.
Holly: Every day can be different, which keeps the work both engaging and enjoyable. In the office, my time is often spent in meetings and design discussions, working on projects ranging from initial concepts to those that are well underway. The scale of the projects also varies widely, from smaller, one-off houses or commercial properties to large developments accommodating 2,500–3,000 homes. The diverse range of projects creates the opportunity to gain experience at different levels of responsibility. At times I take on more of a leadership role, while at others, I contribute to projects led by colleagues, gaining insight from their expertise.
There are also many opportunities to be out of the office, including site visits and face-to face meetings with clients. We also do a range of outreach work from careers events to workshops and mentoring to provide young people with more knowledgeable about the industry.
What has surprised you the most about the experience so far?
Holly: I was surprised by how my mindset evolved from the undergraduate degree to the master’s program. During my first degree, which I did full-time, my studies became all-encompassing, intertwining with all aspects of my life. Now, as an apprentice, I have adopted a more work-oriented mindset. This shift has allowed me to step back and maintain a healthier balance with a more big-picture perspective.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
Holly: The greatest challenge has been balancing academic studies with work responsibilities. At university, you set your own internal deadlines and must hold yourself accountable, which often creates a constant, low-level stress, as there is always something you could be working on. In contrast, a job provides more structure: you focus on your projects during work hours, but when the workday ends, you can switch off and unwind. As an apprentice, however, I must navigate both environments simultaneously. Adding the desire to maintain a social life as well initially made finding a good balance quite difficult. Gradually, I have become better at prioritising my time, enabling me to effectively complete both my university and work obligations.
What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
Holly: The most rewarding university project I have worked on to date is our current design module. It has been the first opportunity to directly apply the knowledge and skills I have gained through professional practice to my academic studies. I have also been able to incorporate valuable advice from both university tutors and colleagues at my practice, which has been highly beneficial to my design approach. This external feedback has been helpful in broadening my perspective and developing a more mature outlook on the course and its projects. Rather than simply evaluating designs in terms of whether they are right or wrong, I now also focus on what I can learn from each experience and how to apply those insights to both my academic and professional work.
Is your apprenticeship living up to your expectations?
Holly: As part of the inaugural cohort of apprentices on this course, I approached it with an understanding that, as a new program, there may be room for growth and adaptation. Therefore, I didn’t have too many preconceptions about what to expect. Having completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Kent, I was already familiar with some of the tutors, including Peter Wislocki, who help to create the apprenticeship course and provided us with some insight into the anticipated course structure prior to starting. The course has met my initial expectations, yet also holds the opportunity for ongoing changes and improvements, as it progresses. Our cohort actively engages in discussions with the tutors, allowing us to collaboratively shape the course to better suit our needs and goals.
Would you recommend a degree apprenticeship to others? If so, why?
Holly: Absolutely! Different individuals have distinct preferences when it comes to their approach to learning and career development. Some may choose to focus exclusively on studying before entering the workforce. In contrast, an apprenticeship combines both study and practical experience, resulting in a longer program, which may not appeal to everyone. However, for those who value ongoing, hands-on experience and consistent guidance, an apprenticeship is an ideal choice. It offers access to a broader and more informed network, including peers in your cohort, university tutors, and colleagues from your practice, all of whom provide diverse insights and support. This combination allows you to progress with a deeper understanding and a well-rounded perspective, equipping you with valuable knowledge from multiple viewpoints.
What are your future plans? How do you see you career progressing?
Holly: I have a few more years remaining in this course, which I am set to complete in 2027. Until then, I will continue applying the knowledge gained at university to enhance my work in the office, while incorporating practical skills from the workplace to my academic studies. Upon completion of the course, I will have fully qualified as an architect but will also have accumulated five years of industry experience—an advantage not typically afforded through the traditional route. This combination places me in a good position to take on larger projects and explore diverse areas within the field of architecture. I am excited about the prospect of having both the credentials and practical expertise to pursue any architectural specialisation I choose.
Seb: From an employer’s perspective it’s a relatively new course and route to qualification. We’re excited to see how the workplace will look in 5-6 years’ time with a huge amount of freshly qualified talent with so much real-world experience already under their belts. It really can only make us all better individually and as an industry.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to people considering a higher or degree apprenticeship?
View the apprenticeship as an intertwined experience of both work and academic study. Incorporating the knowledge from both is important and ensure to use the expertise and support from individuals on each side, as both components offer valuable skills that complement and enhance one another.
Seb, as an employer, what is your opinion on apprenticeships?
Seb: It’s a much more practical and hands-on way of learning than the traditional route. It’s also very self-directed, so you need to have a passion for going off and learning independently. Apprenticeships can be a very demanding route to qualification as it is, which can be a little overwhelming when combined with the challenges of studying architecture. We are excited to see apprenticeships being adopted by universities and look forward to seeing what the industry will be like in a few years. With people like Holly, who are developing both practical experience and academic knowledge, the future looks very promising!
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in hiring an architect apprentice then have a look at our employer information or contact us for a one to one call.
If you want to learn more about becoming an apprentice, then take a look at our becoming an apprentice page for more details.