Practice News
Highlighting the journeys and contributions of our apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week
by AHR
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to highlight the journeys of some of our apprentices whose dedication and fresh perspectives enrich our projects and culture.
Apprenticeships go beyond being alternative pathways into the industry; they are transformative opportunities that empower individuals to learn, grow and excel within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Our apprentices gain hands on experience working alongside industry experts on real-life projects that shape communities. With dedicated mentorship and professional development opportunities, they build confidence, refine their skills and take meaningful steps toward a rewarding career.
While supporting our commitment to social value, apprentices contribute to community-focused projects, bring varied perspectives to design and embrace sustainable practices, helping to create inclusive, environmentally responsible spaces.
We are delighted to share a collection of inspiring insights and experiences from our apprentices and trainees across various offices.
One of the most important things is how much I’ve learned from casual conversations with my colleagues—there’s always something new to take in.
Also, the passion my colleagues have for what they do is inspiring, and it motivates me to push myself further.”
Eva Kilpatrick
Architectural Assistant (Apprentice L7), Architecture
Building confidence through collaboration, knowledge sharing and friendship
Checking in on Eva, Elisha and Ivet
In our Manchester office, the three apprentices are taking on a range of responsibilities while learning and growing in a dynamic environment.
They value the balance of hands-on experience and the vibrant atmosphere of office life, where social activities add unexpected and meaningful dimensions to their journey.
From apprenticeship to full-time employment and the lasting benefits it holds
Catch up with Matthew
Back in 2023, we sat down to talk to Matthew Mear who was doing his Design and Drafting Apprenticeship at the same time as working with our geomatic consultancy team in our Huddersfield office.
Since then, Matthew has successfully completed the course and is now working with us full time as a 3D Modeller. Find out how his apprenticeship went, where he’s flown the drone since qualifying for his license and what he has planned for the future.
How apprentices navigate balancing work responsibilities with academic studies
A conversation with Jonathan, Kai and Charlotte
We also sat down with three members of our Midlands team to discuss their apprenticeship journeys. The trio shared valuable insights about combining work and study, highlighting how this dual approach has accelerated both their professional and personal growth.
The three shared how learning on the job has helped them grow both professionally and personally as well as what it’s really like working with mentors. They also gave us their take on how apprenticeships compare to what we often refer to as the ‘traditional route’ into the industry.
Exploring the opportunities and possibilities of landscape design
A sit down with Oliver Henshaw
We had the pleasure of catching up with Oliver, a trainee landscape architect from our Bristol office, who is balancing his role at AHR while studying for his master’s degree.
His journey is a unique one. Originally joining the practice as an architectural assistant, he decided to take a year out to work hands-on in landscaping. The experience sparked an interest in landscape design, when he later returned to AHR and is now on the path to becoming a Chartered Landscape Architect.
Learn about his experiences so far, including his transition into landscape design, the challenges of balancing work and study and how mentorship and collaboration are shaping his career.
My mentors have shown they trust me, which has given me the confidence to take on greater responsibilities.
I’d like to be involved in bringing in more people, taking on more projects and establishing landscape architecture as a stronger presence within AHR.”
Oliver Henshaw
Trainee Landscape Architect
We’re very proud to offer apprenticeships across our practice, an initiative which aligns with our dedication to social value.
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