ARB sets out plans to reform professional experience for trainee architects

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published an action plan outlining changes to the way in which trainee architects gain and record their professional practical experience, following recommendations made by its independent Professional Practical Experience Commission.

The reforms include the introduction of a new co-ordinating role for learning providers and the creation of a standardised record of competency (ROC) for trainees. The measures are intended to improve access to high-quality and consistent professional experience, and to address concerns over the uneven and sometimes unsupported nature of the current process.

ARB intends to work with architectural education providers and other stakeholders through a series of focus groups to develop the new co-ordinating role. The responsibilities of this role will be detailed in ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers and its accreditation handbook, and will be subject to public consultation.

The new ROC is intended to provide a more structured and consistent way for trainees to record their experience. Minimum requirements for evidencing practical experience will be set by ARB.

ARB has said the changes seek to shift some of the responsibility and risk currently borne by trainees onto institutions better placed to provide oversight. The intention is to prioritise outcomes and provide a more transparent and supportive framework for those seeking registration.

Alan Kershaw, chair of ARB, said: “Professional practical experience is central to a trainee’s journey to becoming an architect and achieving professional registration. The plan that we have set out today recognises the vital role learning providers play in shaping how aspiring architects gain the experience they need.

“The new co-ordinating role will need to work for all learning providers, so we’re going to design it with them to ensure it is flexible but also, crucially, effective for trainees.”

The action plan accepts all but one of the commission’s recommendations. ARB does not currently plan to make continuing professional development (CPD) in mentoring a mandatory requirement, but has acknowledged the role mentoring could play in supporting wider cultural change across the profession.

The regulator is exploring ways to help architects develop mentoring skills.

A full breakdown of the actions and implementation timelines is available on the ARB website. ARB is inviting stakeholders to join the development process via its Architectural Educators Engagement Network.