Why Cutting Architecture Apprenticeship Funding Affects More Than Just Architects

The recent decision to withdraw funding for Level 7 architecture apprenticeships for over-21s is a setback not only for aspiring architects — but for the entire built environment.

At Sigma, we work closely with architects on public and private sector projects, and we know just how essential early-stage collaboration is to project success. Level 7 apprenticeships have opened up alternative routes into architecture for a broader, more diverse cohort of professionals. Losing this pathway risks making the profession less accessible and less representative — a loss for us all.

For quantity surveyors, this matters.

Fewer qualified architects means greater pressure on design teams, more fragmented project delivery, and potential delays in getting coordinated information for cost planning. It also weakens the pipeline of professionals who understand how design and cost intersect — which leads to higher risk during tendering and construction.

The decision could also set a worrying precedent for other disciplines. Apprenticeships have played a key role in improving access to surveying and construction careers. Undermining these routes affects our ability to attract and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce across the industry.

We stand in solidarity with our architectural colleagues. Accessible, flexible learning pathways don’t just benefit individuals — they strengthen entire project teams, and ultimately, the built environment we all serve.

Want to work with a team that believes in early engagement and collaborative project delivery? Book a free 30-minute consultation
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