Publication
The Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook

Posted on 26 April 2024

RIBA’s Architecture Apprenticeship Handbook features valuable tips from Anastasija Kostileva and our Directors.
As early adopters of the apprenticeship programme, we are proud to be contributors to the handbook.

Anastasija's journey has been a significant success for both her and the practice since she enrolled in an apprenticeship in 2019.

This was the early days of apprenticeships. It felt like a leap of faith for Anastasija and the practice; very few universities were offering them, there were no graduates to provide reassurance and they required a significant investment and four-year commitment. However, recognising apprenticeships’ pivotal role in making a career in architecture more accessible, Anastasija enrolled with the support of our Directors.

“My goal was always to become an architect so I knew I couldn’t be a Part I forever but I really enjoyed working in practice. Real projects, real issues and colleagues there to support you. It motivated me and reinforced the idea that architecture is what I want to do. Doing my apprenticeship at Bell Phillips was my best professional decision so far. It was challenging, especially during lockdown, but my job provided stability and motivation. Whenever I doubted my university work, I remembered that I handle more complex tasks at work."

This April marked a year since Anastasija qualified as an Architect and we are very proud of her journey to that long-desired (and deserved) title. Following in her footsteps, Architectural Assistant, Eleanor Hollis has recently enrolled in an apprenticeship scheme with the University of Cambridge whilst continuing her fantastic work with us here in Wapping.

Apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative to the traditional educational route and following Anastasija’s success story, we are committed to employing at least one member of staff on the Part II / Part III apprenticeship scheme.