Northern architect and engineering firm, Building Design Northern, are celebrating the 16th annual National Apprenticeship Week.

Employing four apprentices across all departments, the award-winning firm have invested in young, local talent, nurturing the next generation of industry professionals.

Speaking to each of their apprentices, they have detailed their personal experiences and the ‘skills for life’ they have developed throughout the course of their apprenticeship.

Adam Lennox – Part 2 Architectural Assistant

“I have been working on the Architects degree apprenticeship programme with Northumbria University for 18 months, with the support of BDN.

“I can confidently say that working in practice and studying part-time at university gives you excellent development opportunities that you would not necessarily get while studying full-time, and gives you good time management skills that you can take forward into your career due to the high workload and busy schedule.

“Working on university conceptual projects allows you to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and then going back into a professional practice gives you valuable experience of how to deal with clients first-hand, managing the day-to-day elements of building projects, whilst allowing you to implement the skills you have picked up at university.

“I would highly recommend the degree apprenticeship if you are looking to qualify as an architect after your part 1, as my experience with BDN has given me a great platform to work on my part 2 qualifications and progress my career towards gaining architect status.”

Anna Cullen – Digital Marketing Apprentice

‘‘I started my apprenticeship with BDN in July 2021, joining after I completed my A-Levels. Despite being quite academic, I knew University was not the immediate route for me. An apprenticeship was a perfect fit, as I was so eager to begin to build a career in marketing.

“I have recently completed my apprenticeship, sitting my End Point Assessment to achieve a Level 3 Qualification in Digital Marketing, which is accredited by the British Computing Society. As well as developing my knowledge of marketing fundamentals, the course gave me the opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications, including Google Analytics IQ.

“Since the start of my apprenticeship, I have developed both personally and professionally, and gained valuable skills and industry contacts. It has been so inspiring to work alongside creative, hard-working individuals daily and put my knowledge into action, developing high-impact marketing campaigns.

“Choosing to join BDN as an apprentice has been an incredible opportunity, and the best way to start my career. I am looking forward to progressing at BDN and embarking on my newest challenge as Marketing and Administration Executive.”

Joshua Chapman – Structural Engineer

‘’I started my apprenticeship as an Apprentice Structural Technician and upon completion of my HNC I was promoted to Structural Technician where I then successfully became a Chartered Technician (EngTech) through The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

“Currently, I am in my final year of University, studying a BEng in Civil Engineering at Teesside University. I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and with the end in sight, I can say it has been key to me to progressing from an apprentice to technician through to my recent promotion as Structural Engineer. I have covered a vast range of engineering topics, which has deepened my understanding of the industry.

“I really enjoy applying academic concepts into my day-to-day work and achieving the most suitable end results for clients. I also enjoy the practical sessions at University where we can make use of state-of-the-art facilities they have to better understand the fundamentals of engineering.’’

Adam Gray – Business Administration Apprentice

“I started my apprenticeship with BDN in October 2022, following completing my GSCE’s. An exact career path is something that I found difficult to decide, however business is always something that has grabbed my interest and joining BDN seemed like a perfect way to start my journey.

“Currently, I am in the early stages of my apprenticeship with Sunderland College, however I am thoroughly enjoying learning both on and off the job, gaining a priceless insight as to how the company operates and finding new adaptive ways to progress.

“As I continue through the apprenticeship, I hope to develop more as a person and learn new skills which I can integrate not only at work but in my personal life. Working with such highly talented and hard-working individuals has given me a great insight into the standards I hope to achieve and go beyond.

“Choosing to join BDN as an apprentice has been a great opportunity and an experience I am really enjoying. I’m looking forward to continue to progress into my apprenticeship and taking on the challenges that are ahead.”