Why are Level 7 apprenticeships still essential for the future of architecture?

Why does combining paid work with academic study offer advantages for aspiring architects?

Senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, Rebecca Galbraith, says: “As staff, we have seen apprenticeship students develop in confidence and skill since the Portsmouth School of Architecture, Art, and Design started the course in 2018 and 2019. The apprentices continue to surprise us with their development by using the experience they obtain from their career alongside the space to experiment at university.”

She continues: “As apprentices develop many professional skills, we have heard from apprentices that they discuss information imparted in lectures with their practice. This has enabled the practice to be aware of the changing statutory environment and arranged CPD for the rest of the company. The practice benefits from the apprentice’s developing knowledge and the apprentice can take an active role in the advancement of the practice.

Apprentices and employers have also shared that students are keen to engage colleagues and mentors about design work. This has led to inspirational conversations in the practice that may not have happened without the catalyst of a university brief.”

A current Level 7 apprentice at Portsmouth also believes that the scheme helps provide an alternative but crucial route into the professional.

“As a mature student with fewer options around funding, and a requirement to keep in full-time employment, the apprenticeship route was really the only option for me at both Level 6 and Level 7,” they explain. “Having then been through the Level 6 and, as it progressed, starting a family, I really appreciated the opportunity to be studying on a day release and continuing working. But, more than that, I appreciated the interplay between work and study, how each informed the other and how my experience in practice could also help me to help others on the course.

Further, the apprenticeship route makes so much sense to me, having seen the incredible diversity and opportunity that it provided to the students I worked with on my undergraduate degree; not just, as you may expect, those from underprivileged backgrounds, or wider ethnic diversity, but also those with previous careers and experience, and completely different viewpoint.”

What are the implications of the new 2026 funding restriction for Level 7 apprenticeships?

Rebecca says: “We are maintaining our apprenticeship at the University of Portsmouth at both Level 6 (Part 1) and Level 7 (Parts 2 and 3). We feel that there have been immense benefits for apprentices, the school and the profession from this study route. There are some situations where the government will maintain funding so it is worth employers and applicants familiarising themselves with the funding rules.”

However, the Portsmouth Level 7 student fears that the withdrawal of funding for over-21s will hit hard.

“I have been working with several younger students who now become unable to pursue their careers through the apprenticeship route,” they say. “I feel very strongly that the route provides incredible opportunity for diversity in the profession and the potential loss of that is frankly heartbreaking.”

A Level 6 apprentice at Portsmouth also highlighted the importance of continued workplace learning, noting:

“As a Level 6 apprentice, it’s important to keep developing skills in practice. Being forced into full‑time study really restricts this engagement.”

What are the next steps?

Following the government’s withdrawal of funding for over-21s, RIBA is calling on the government to:

• raise the age of eligibility for Level 7 apprenticeship funding to 25-years-old for built environment professionals;
• conduct a full impact assessment to evaluate the long-term implications for the architecture profession and wider built environment sector;
• extend the phased transition period to give employers, universities and apprentices greater certainty and time to adapt to new programmes;
• change student finance eligibility to ensure those progressing from Level 6 apprenticeships are not inadvertently disadvantaged in accessing further study.

Find out more about apprenticeships, including advice for students, employers, and universities.