Our Trainee Architectural Assistant, Ollie Langner, is in the final semester of his final year of the London South Bank University degree apprenticeship.

Although Ollie wasn’t successful in the recent Suffolk Joint Construction Committee (SJCC) Apprenticeship Awards in May, we spoke to him about what it meant to be nominated and what his future holds once he has completed his degree.

You were recently nominated for the SJCC Apprenticeship Awards. Although you weren’t selected as the winner, how did it make you feel that your peers nominated you for this award?

It was incredibly humbling to be nominated, and I am very grateful to be recognised in this way. It was a great evening to attend and see some of the amazing people and projects in the Suffolk construction industry.

As you’re approaching the end of your degree apprenticeship, what have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned at Concertus?

Balancing a full-time job with a demanding academic program is challenging. Initially overwhelming, I found that with the right support, my second and third years became more manageable. The final year tested my character, but I embraced the challenge, greatly benefiting my career. I now feel confident in managing my work/life balance.

I’ve also learned the importance of working in various teams. In university, I worked independently as the Lead Designer, which felt isolating. Collaboration and communication within a design team are essential in the professional world. Mastering the balance between individual work and teamwork is a vital skill that will aid my future career.

How do you think your experiences at Concertus have prepared you for your future career in architecture?

During my time with Concertus, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that will benefit my future career. I’ve developed strong communication abilities, working effectively with the design team, clients, and contractors. Presenting confidently to stakeholders has boosted my self-assurance, enabling me to tackle projects, ask questions, and overcome challenges.

Being in Practice has allowed me to take on a leading role in projects with ample support, fostering my growth and confidence. This experience has helped me build key leadership skills while engaging with clients, end users, and contractors.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome it?

The apprenticeship can initially be overwhelming, balancing full-time work with part-time university studies. However, with the right support, managing this workload becomes easier. Concertus has been instrumental in helping me balance my responsibilities, allowing me the time needed to meet university deadlines. It was an exciting challenge and one I was well prepared for, having researched the apprenticeship before I started.

The biggest challenge is transitioning between the office and university mindsets. University allows for creative freedom without the constraints of budgets or stakeholders, while work requires consideration of logistics and community impact. To maintain balance, having personal time to unwind and pursue my interests is crucial.

What advice would you give other students considering a degree apprenticeship in architecture?

If architecture is your dream, like mine, an apprenticeship is the best way to achieve it. Working on real-life projects and gaining construction experience has been invaluable for my future career. Thanks to Concertus, I’ll graduate with my degree, four years of experience, and no university fees. I would recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone.

Some companies don’t always advertise apprenticeships, so you must network and build your brand. Send out your CV and portfolio and be proactive in asking questions. You can uncover great opportunities and grow your professional network by approaching people confidently.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions once you complete your degree? Do you have specific career goals in mind?

My ambition is to qualify as an architect. I’m nearing the completion of my Architecture Part 1 Apprenticeship, which will allow me to start Parts 2 and 3 in September, a vital step towards my goal.

I continually strive to improve my skills and expand my knowledge, and I’m confident about my progress with Concertus’ support. I’m eager to embrace the new challenges and learn how to overcome them.

Charles Coulson, Associate Director for Design at Concertus, said: “Since joining Concertus, Oliver has quickly identified himself as somebody who is keen to learn and develop. One of his standout qualities is his ability to take a considered and balanced approach to his work, something rare to find in somebody at such an early stage of their career.

His commitment and approach to his Part 1 studies and work have meant that he was able to take a more significant role in projects, always being able to balance his course commitments and his work deadlines.He is a valuable member of the team and his personal drive to learn, develop and support his colleagues means that this nomination was fully deserved.”