Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is launching the UK’s first Modelmaking Degree Apprenticeship, titled Modelmaking for Industry.
Announced in June 2025, the apprenticeship was developed in collaboration with a range of modelmaking studios, creative companies, and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), now Skills England.
The modelmaking industry and AUB recognise that creative degree apprenticeships offer an exciting new opportunity to encourage diversity and provides alternative routes into the creative industries.
Modelmaking is a thriving and vibrant making discipline that spans multiple creative industries, such as architecture, film, animation, museum, automotive and product design. Modelmakers create models using physical and digital tools, applied with aesthetic and technical creativity, achieving successful results to commercial deadlines
“This is an exciting first for the modelmaking industry," says Claire Holman, apprenticeships lead at the University. "AUB’s decades of experience in helping modelmaking graduates enter the industry makes it the ideal choice for employers and apprentices to learn their craft.
“Working with industry professionals to develop this degree apprenticeship has been a pleasure, and we are very excited to welcome and train our new apprentices in September 2025.”
Diane Teague, Assistant Head of Modelmaking at Foster + Partners and Co-Chair of the trailblazer group, adds, “Modelmaking is a natural fit for an apprenticeship programme, due to the highly collaborative and practical nature of the work. We are delighted to be opening our doors to those who are passionate about developing a career in modelmaking and want to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.”
A degree apprenticeship combines full-time paid employment with part-time university study leading to a degree without tuition fees or student debt. It’s ideal for gaining practical experience, earning while learning, and building a career from day one.
The three-year programme is a Level 6 qualification – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree – providing apprentices with the opportunity to learn modelmaking in a workplace environment with additional training provided by AUB.
Apprentices will typically spend four days a week learning "on the job" with an employer, and one day a week with AUB gaining the knowledge and skills needed for the degree and apprenticeship qualification.
AUB’s programme provides interactive online learning with regular residential events, enabling apprentices to benefit from the well-equipped campus. The course has been designed to respond to the unique demographic of the creative industries and is a national offer blending online learning with practical activities and specialist residential experiences.
Chris Conlon, Director at Amalgam Modelmakers, says, “Modelmaking is an essential tool in architecture, maritime, automotive, energy, and TV and film, offering endless opportunities for people aspiring to the part of these industries. With an apprenticeship, you can gain practical experience and skills that set you apart.”
Jeff Powers, Senior Associate and Head of Making at Heatherwick Studio, adds, “At Heatherwick Studio, we are excited by the announcement of the Modelmaking apprenticeship programme, a new initiative aimed at nurturing the next wave of design and architectural talent.
"We believe that hands-on making is at the heart of design. This apprenticeship gives people the chance to be involved in the art of modelmaking and gain an entry point into the world of design.”
For more information and details of how to apply either as an apprentice or an employer, please contact apprenticeships@aub.ac.uk.
