As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to Ava, an apprentice at GRADONARCHITECTURE who since recently joining the firm in November has become an integral part of the team.

Ava discusses her apprenticeship, what value an apprenticeship brings both the individual and the employer, and her hopes for the future.

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s been your most exciting project so far?

Every day so far has been different, which is something I really enjoy about my apprenticeship. I’m constantly learning new skills and taking on new tasks that vary from architecture to marketing, so I get to experience a broad range of responsibilities. Some days include site visits, which give me a better understanding of projects in real life, and other days I’m at college developing my knowledge further. The variety of the role has been one of the most exciting parts, as it allows me to grow in both the architectural and marketing sides of the business.

What value do apprenticeships bring to apprentices and employers?

As an apprentice, I am being taught valuable skills by all of my colleagues, and that support is helping me grow in confidence and ability. Apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from experienced professionals while gaining real, hands-on experience. For employers, apprentices bring enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and fresh ideas, while developing skills that directly benefit the business.

What key challenges have you faced in the role?

At the beginning, one of the main challenges was getting to know the systems and figuring out where everything was. There has been a lot to take in, and understanding how everything works together takes time. However, as I am becoming more familiar with processes and gaining more experience, I’ve started to understand things better and feel more confident in my role.

What have you learned that you didn’t expect to?

I have already learned so many different skills within architecture that I didn’t expect when I first started. Alongside this, I’ve also developed marketing knowledge and improved skills such as communication, organisation, and teamwork. The range of experience I’ve gained has been much broader than I initially imagined.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I would love to continue progressing and developing within both the marketing and architecture world. I hope to build on the skills I’m learning now, take on more responsibility, and continue growing professionally within the industry.