Stan joined WWA in September 2019 as an Apprentice Part I Architectural Assistant starting his apprenticeship at Southbank University. Stan works on a variety of projects while developing his design skills and offering invaluable assistance to our architectural team.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 we have taken the opportunity to ask Stan a few quick questions about his experience as an apprentice and studying while working. Here is what he had to say.

What made you want to study on an apprenticeship?

There are couple reasons why I wanted to study architecture through apprenticeship, first one being that by doing apprenticeship I get an enormous amount of experience on the actual projects. Other benefits include reduced tuition costs and an improved position for me upon graduation.

What attracted you to the course you are studying?

Being raised in a family of construction workers, I have always had a tendency to lean that way. However, because I have a more creative personality, I am better suited for architecture than construction, which is why I chose to study it.

How did WWA support your apprenticeship studies?

West Waddy Archadia has always done everything in its power to support and assist me, whether it be by giving me access to learning materials, giving me time to work on university projects, or even just by clarifying concepts I didn’t understand.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your apprenticeship?

The most important thing that I learned during my apprenticeship is that architecture is communicating with clients, co-workers, and builders. The better you communicate the better the outcome will be.

What has your apprenticeship enabled you to do, that you otherwise might not have been able to?

It made it possible for me to start gaining experience right away when it would have otherwise taken me three years to even get started.

How has working at the same time as studying supported you in your job?

Working and studying is taking the best of both worlds. I learn more about real-world problems and how to use software more effectively when I work, whereas when I study, I tap into my creative side to produce more high-quality projects. So, work and study are complementary and supportive of one another.

What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?

Do it if you can, as you gain first-hand knowledge of what the career path you’ve chosen is like.

And that concludes it, folks! Apprenticeships are an excellent way to cultivate and refine your abilities, offering opportunities to build practical skills and acquire real-world experience. The benefits of this approach “don’t stop there” – you’ll also get the chance to work hands-on, advance in your career, and even carve out time for studying during the workweek.