AT practices sought to sponsor design and mentoring outreach programme
Accelerate supports young people, aged 16-18, from under-represented backgrounds to pursure careers in the built environment sector. The aim is to equip them with the skills, portfolios, networks and the confidence to make informed career choices.
For us, it is great to meet students who ask interesting questions about the way that we do architecture and prompt us to reflect on both our practice and education. Crucially though, Accelerate provides a really supportive and fun way for young people to get a glimpse into potential careers, ask questions, learn, and feed their growing interests. It’s something I would have loved to have done at 17!
Accelerate survives each year entirely from external funding and the generosity of those who support them.
It costs £1500 per student to take part in the course – each participating practice is asked to make a contribution of between £1000 and £3000 to the course.
Accelerate is very fun to do. The structure is clear, the brief is inspiring but also relatable and depending on the students, mentors and office, it can be very ambitious. We tend not to mend too much with what the students have in mind but listen to them, understand them, and suggest ways for them to achieve what they have in mind. It also helped me be a better listener in understanding people.
Why support Accelerate?
- Champion diversity in the built environment sector
- Engage with young people and build lasting relationships
- Develop your skills as an educator
- Promote your practice by facilitating job opportunities and work experience
- Take part in the programme as a mentor/guest faciliator
- Support young people to navigate their futures
- Provide young people with the tools to become critical thinkers
- Democratise the processes involving our built environment
- Meet other professionals from the built environment industry, exchange ideas and facilitate future collaborations
It was a brilliant time for the entire practice, not just the mentors. It’s wonderful to see young people aspiring to enter the architectural fields and it reminds us that knowledge comes from all directions and lived experiences. It is highly rewarding to see the students develop their proposals with gusto and grow as designers.
If you would like to know more please contact Siraaj Mitha, Director of Accelerate: [email protected] or visit open-city.org.uk/accelerate
