As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke with Kayleigh Metcalf, an apprentice at Gradon Architecture. Kayleigh is based in Newcastle. She joined the firm in 2022. Since then, she has become a key member of the team. She has worked on many projects.
Kayleigh’s interest in architecture began at a young age. She loved Lego and building houses in The Sims. Over time, her interest grew through her teens. After her A-levels, she aimed for higher education. She impressed in an interview and earned a place at Newcastle University. After graduating, she joined Gradon Architecture as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant. Later, she stayed on to complete her Master’s degree as an apprentice.
How does this compare to university, and why was it the right path for you?
The apprenticeship route was the right choice for me. It let me gain real project experience while earning a wage. Furthermore, returning to full-time study was not financially possible. Without this route, I might have had to rethink my career goals.
Additionally, apprenticeships and T-level schemes support social mobility. They help students from all backgrounds access architecture careers. From my experience, I have learned more from practical work than from classroom learning alone. Moreover, working on live projects helped me apply my studies in a meaningful way. I also learned directly from experienced professionals.
What does a typical day look like, and what has been your most exciting project so far?
No two days are the same. Therefore, the work stays exciting. On Mondays, I attend university. There, I work with my design tutor and peers. Then, the rest of the week, I work with the team on projects. I attend meetings and visit sites. I also spend time developing my skills. Whether during lunch or in the evenings, there is always something new to learn.
One of my favourite projects is the Lemington Church refurbishment. The project is turning the building into accessible food and clothing bank facilities. As a result, it will better serve the local community. I have watched it progress from Stage 1 to Stage 5. Additionally, I have worked closely with the client and design team.
What value do apprenticeships bring to apprentices and employers?
It is a two-way relationship. For example, I learn things at work that help with my university studies. Conversely, I also bring new ideas from university into the workplace. Moreover, my research helps me introduce fresh techniques into projects. The workload can be intense at times. However, I believe the phrase “if you want something done, give it to a busy person” rings true.
What key challenges have you faced?
One challenge has been working across larger teams. Consequently, collaborating with many people has been a valuable learning experience. Also, the construction sector has traditionally been male-dominated. That can feel daunting. Nevertheless, I have focused on building my confidence and communication skills. This has helped me navigate these situations better.
What have you learned that you didn’t expect?
Working alongside my peers in the studio has been invaluable. We come from different practices and backgrounds. Therefore, we share insights and techniques. These improve our drawing, model-making, and design processes. Overall, this collaborative learning environment has been one of the most rewarding parts of the apprenticeship.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I aim to be fully qualified. I want to work on projects that benefit communities and the environment. Additionally, I have developed a strong interest in ecologically sensitive design and person-centred care. Therefore, I hope to explore these specialisms further in future work.