I found out about Arts University Bournemouth’s BA (Hons) Modelmaking for Industry Degree Apprenticeship during a nine-month traineeship course with Build the Way. I was working with ShedKM in London, four days a week in their London office, and one day a week at the London School of Architecture doing an EPQ on the side (similar to an A-Level).
During that time, there was a ‘day in the life’-like situation where I was able to go into different practices and industries and explore roles like quantity surveying, landscape architect, structural engineer – and one of them was modelmaking. I didn't realise there was a team of modelmakers behind the scenes making architectural models all day, making tangible objects. That really piqued my interest.
The apprenticeship route is something I was always aiming for, so I applied to a couple of architectural apprenticeships initially. And then one of my mentors sent me the link to BA (Hons) Modelmaking for Industry Degree Apprenticeship through Foster + Partners. And here I am now!
Foster is one of the biggest architectural companies, so being able to say that I work for them to other architects is monumental. I usually get replies like, “Do you sleep?! Did the lights go off here?” and stuff like that! We’ve worked on some amazing projects so far. I got to fix up a 40-year-old, 1:100* scale model of the HSBC Building based in Hong Kong recently. That’s just one project that’s really cool, as well as working on historical models for an exhibition in Romania.
Most importantly, I’ve been learning new techniques and how different people do things – we all come from different backgrounds that aren’t simply modelmaking, so it’s diverse and we’re able to pick up skills from one another. The Degree Apprenticeship at AUB means I’ve only been on campus a number of times, but is so flexible as I can access the workshop facilities. I’m about to go into second year now, and part of the thrill is constantly learning something new and gaining skills, whether that’s through using CAD or Rhino Fusion like I am now.
I really love coming to Bournemouth too. It's kind of like my own little uni experience, and I love the independence. As an apprentice, I can take annual leave and visit my friends' university to see what they're up to.
My top advice for anyone considering the Modelmaking for Industry Degree Apprenticeship is to simply have an open mind. You might have a certain aim or pathway you want to go for, but you don’t know what’s out there until you actually see yourself there. Also, just enjoy it! It’s three years of being creative and getting into the creative industry, which is big step in itself. I'm working with others constantly, so there’s teamwork, collaborating with different personalities, different ages and different skill sets.
Finally, always be open to opportunities. Even if it might not align up your plans perfectly, it might take you somewhere that's even better than what you initially planned.
