RSUA has today stressed the importance of fair pay and working arrangements for trainee architects with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as part of our response to its public consultation on proposals aimed at transforming how trainees gain professional practical experience (PPE).
More specifically, we shared our Commitments to Fair Pay for Part 1 Graduates as a potential model from which new ARB Guidance for Employers of Trainees may wish to draw inspiration.
Consultation background
The package of changes ARB is proposing includes:
Standards for Learning Providers
RSUA supports the aim of the amended “Standard 6: Student Support” to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment that enables students to achieve the Practice Outcomes and prepare for professional practice.
However, we have asked ARB to state more explicitly that learning providers will have no coordinating role in courses without Practice Outcomes, as well as to define what constitutes a “suitable employer” in the context of learning providers being required to maintain a list of these.
ARB Registration Rules
RSUA observed that with ARB intending to update its registration rules to remove the requirement for a minimum of two years’ practical experience, the wider introduction of four- or five-year integrated master’s courses leading to ARB registration may be envisaged.
In response, we highlighted our uncertainty as to whether providers in Northern Ireland would be able to commit to such a model, given that it is unclear whether a sufficient number of practices have the capacity to offer contracted placements to trainees.
Further engagement
Our full response can be accessed here.
If you have any questions or comments about this response, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
