One of our valuable perspectives comes from Aidan White, one of our newest placement students who is currently in his third year at Nottingham Trent University, where he is studying Architectural Technology. Aidan is currently on a year-long placement at Arc Partnership, which he started with us this summer! We took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his experiences and what he has learned during his time here.

I am currently completing my placement year at Arc Partnership as an Assistant Architectural Technologist after studying Architectural Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for two years. I have recently passed the six-month mark, and the team has fully welcomed me. I have had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of projects, which has significantly helped me build my skills before returning for my final year.

I found my placement by proactively searching on LinkedIn, reaching out to the right individuals, and expressing my interest. This effort eventually led to an interview and the offer of the role.

NTU has also been very supportive, especially through the careers fair, where I made initial contacts with several companies just by engaging with them at their stands. Speaking with current Arc Partnership placement students provided me with an honest perspective on the company, helping to confirm that it was the right place for me.

During my time, I’ve been able to work on everything from large new-build schools to offices, extensions, and small renovation projects. The team of Architects and Architectural Technologists has been incredibly supportive, guiding me through the technical and industry requirements of each project.

At the beginning of my placement, I worked independently on smaller renovation jobs, like simple room refurbishments. These were great for getting me used to the general workflow and helping me learn the regulations and design considerations needed for different user requirements

My experience at Arc has been very positive. From day one, I’ve been treated like a genuine member of the team, and I've been given increasing responsibilities as I've grown in confidence. Everyone, both inside and outside the design team, has been friendly and approachable, which has made learning so much easier.

The social aspect has also been fantastic. We’ve gone on team trips to London, enjoyed bowling, attended sponsored networking events, and participated in Friday socials. Getting to know the team outside of work has made the office environment much more relaxed and friendly. Many of the staff members were once placement students themselves, so they are very supportive.

If you're passionate about architecture or architectural technology, Arc is an excellent place for a placement. The projects are diverse and engaging, allowing you to participate in several RIBA stages. This involvement gives you valuable hands-on experience, from concept development to technical design.

The team is supportive, the environment is positive, and the company really encourages your development. With a friendly team and plenty of social events, Arc makes you feel valued while giving you great industry experience. I’d recommend it to anyone thinking about applying.