Work Experience Placements
At Hoskins Architects, we have always been committed to the work experience placement programme that we undertake for young people curious about studying architecture.
Often the reality of working as an architect can be very different to their expectations, and the placement can provide valuable insight.
Our current studio member, Chloe Van Grieken, joined Hoskins Architects for work experience in 2007, which helped to inform her decision to study architecture. Chloe is now instrumental in mentoring young people undertaking our studio's work experience placement programme.
Work experience placements can play an essential part in increasing diversity in architecture.
Work experience placements can play an essential part in increasing diversity in architecture.
Our programme centres around the student designing a small bathing hut, exposing them to key aspects of a project and the various skills required in an engaging way. At the end of the weeklong placement, we aim for the student to have an understanding of the stages and process of developing a concept to a finished building.
At the start of 2022, we trialled a longer-term paid work placement beginning with a Glasgow School of Art graduate who had difficulty, post Covid, finding employment with their degree. We provided real-life experience working within a busy creative design studio, so they could gain employment in their chosen field.
Recently, Maisie Chan, a school leaver, undertook our paid work placement as she was looking for more experience during her year out prior to applying to university courses.
During the year, we have provided Maisie with a range of experiences which, as well as providing training in design software, also involved regular site visits to projects, including photographing and documenting progress and attending project team meetings.
Maisie has felt that her experience has been valuable in developing her knowledge:
‘I have really enjoyed my placement at Hoskins Architects. I’ve had the opportunity to work on lots of different types of projects and learnt new useful skills. It has given me a much clearer understanding of what an architect’s job involves.’
We are delighted that Maisie has been accepted to study architecture at Edinburgh College of Art and wish her all the best in her studies.