The first architecture apprenticeships have been approved for delivery - a move which experts have said will boost “the diversity of our profession”.

The Institute for Apprenticeships has approved two apprenticeship standards: one for architectural assistants at level 6, and one for architects at level 7.

Both programmes will be available from September 2018 and last four years.

Apprenticeships ‘are a vital initiative’

The Royal Institute of British Architects welcomed the news. President Ben Derbyshire said: “This vital initiative will help us to improve the diversity of our profession, to attract young people to study architecture and provide more accessible routes to qualification and employment opportunities.

“The exposure to contemporary architectural business will be a major benefit for students, and practices will also benefit from the challenge of a new commitment to developing talent.”

The programmes have been in development for more than 18 months.