Second Cohort Of AL Academy Intake Graduates From T-Levels And Starts Apprenticeship
The AL Academy has welcomed its latest apprentice, meet Justas Volkis!
Justas studied Construction and the Built Environment at New City College (NCC), where he first connected with Ackroyd Lowrie through the AL Academy. After completing 75 days of work experience during college, he officially joined the team as an Architectural Assistant Apprentice and has enrolled at London South Bank University (LSBU) to begin his five-year degree apprenticeship.
We chatted with Justas to learn more about his apprenticeship and career ambitions…
AL: What made you choose an apprenticeship?
JV: I saw it as an opportunity to get straight into the profession I loved, while also simultaneously learning from the job’s perspective and a degree’s perspective. It’s double the knowledge, double the experience gained.
AL: How did you hear about Ackroyd Lowrie?
JV: I first connected with Ackroyd Lowrie and the AL Academy when I was at NCC. They partner with the college to offer work placement opportunities, and I secured one of these. I did 75 days in the practice and this work experience was insanely helpful to get through my college course at a high grade.
I learned so much, from how to make good physical models to insights into how a practice operates on a daily basis. My favourite task was BIM modelling. I’m quite techie and have always naturally understood software so this was fun – it really helped me develop a much stronger understanding of the built environment.
AL: Why is architecture the right career for you?
JV: Ever since I can remember, I’ve been design-oriented and extremely logical, so architecture felt like the natural choice. I’m constantly trying to make things look good or better, and imagining what they could be.
AL: Who are your mentors and what are you working on now?
JV: Antoine and Charlotte are mentoring me and they’re so easy to talk to. They’re really taking the time to teach me and make sure I understand, rather than just showing me. It’s also super helpful talking to Rasheikh, who is another AL Academy apprentice, but a year ahead of me!
I’m currently working on the BIM Model and design report to support a planning application for a residential scheme outside of London. Being part of the design team means I’m rapidly learning so much about regulations and urban design aspects, it’s all great experience.