AHR offers multiple architecture and building consultancy services, with a diverse award-winning team working across nine UK offices to deliver projects locally and internationally.

We spoke to Robert Hopkins, Director at AHR, who shared why AHR offers Architecture degree apprenticeships at Sheffield Hallam.

Why do you think degree apprenticeships are important for the property and construction sector?

Degree apprenticeships are really important for the sector as they offer alternative routes into the industry.

They allow companies to recruit talent from a more diverse range of backgrounds, giving opportunities to people who might not otherwise have had them. This is crucial for addressing the skills shortages we’re experiencing within the UK.

At AHR, we design buildings and spaces for a variety of demographics, so we need to hire people from different backgrounds with different perspectives to help us do this effectively.

Why have you chosen to offer degree apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships also provide the apprentice with the opportunity to learn in a different way, embedded within the organisation.

This gives the apprentice a more rounded and in-depth knowledge of the job. They gain a strong understanding of our business and ways of working and develop confidence through their studies.

From our perspective, the longer-term commitment required for completing an apprenticeship means we can invest more time in nurturing their skills.

What benefits have you seen from degree apprenticeships?

One of the great benefits we’ve seen is the recruitment and retention of younger people within the company. Our apprentices bring a wonderful vibrancy and energy to our team, and we benefit from evolving ideas coming out of academia. 

Our apprentices are also building connections in the industry which is helping us to attract more talent to our business.

Research and Development is also really important to us, so building these connections with the University has been really helpful. Some of our apprentices are part of an innovation group with other apprentices on their course, looking at trends like artificial intelligence.

What would you say to other SMEs considering higher and degree apprenticeships?

Do it. The property and construction industry has a responsibility to improve its diversity and inclusion, and degree apprenticeships are a great way to do that. Plus, it gives you the chance to learn from others in the industry.