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Practical experience is a vital part of becoming an architect. It allows trainees to apply and build on what they’ve learned while achieving the Academic Outcomes, develop professional judgement, and undertake the activities they need to meet ARB’s Practice Outcomes.
ARB has produced guidance for employers of trainees which explains what is expected of them and how to support trainees during their time in professional practice. This is complemented by guidance for trainees. Taken together, these two guidance documents help ensure that everyone understands their role in making the experience productive, fair and professionally meaningful. Providers can also use this guidance when advising trainees on what is suitable experience.
ARB accredits the qualifications required to join the Architects Register.
To be accredited, a qualification must:
- teach and assess the Competency Outcomes at the relevant level; and
- be delivered in a way that meets our Standards for learning providers.
The role of practical experience
The Competency Outcomes include areas where a trainee should be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours of an architect through engagement with architectural practice.
This means many trainees will seek employment while undertaking their practice-level qualifications.
In recognition of the importance of this period, ARB’s Standards for learning providers set out specific requirements for how students and trainees should be supported in gaining their practical experience. These include maintaining contact with trainees and their employers during periods of employment undertaken as part of a qualification, as well as developing relationships with employers to support trainees.
From December 2028, learning providers and trainees will use a Trainee Record of Experience that meets our minimum requirements. We will not assess the Record for registration. It is intended to help trainees, learning providers and employers reflect on progress.