​​Young People: Skills development and social events

Events, courses and opportunities for ages 15 to 18.

We offer a range of opportunities for young people to learn more about architecture and the architectural profession. Our programmes focus on knowledge building and skills development. Collaborating with peers and practitioners, young people explore architecture in real world contexts and in relationship to other artistic and creative practices.

Skill Up for ages 15 to 18

Designed to ‘Skill Up’ teenagers who are thinking about studying architecture or design, in past workshops participants have learnt how to work to an architectural brief, improve portfolios, use photography effectively and develop architectural drawing skills using traditional and digital media. Participants work individually and collaboratively to think about how to design sustainable and responsible architecture.

Skill Up workshops are currently being delivered online through Microsoft Teams and are led by architects and artist-educators. See future Skill Up workshops.

More programmes for young people

RIBA Learning Young People’s Programme aims to be both inclusive and informative. The programme has been designed to respond to young people’s needs and interests whilst introducing them to architecture, the built environment and to a range of creative industries.

RIBA's Young People’s Programme is made up of several strands including;

1. Digital resources, activities and events that explore what architecture and the built environment are and routes into careers linked to architecture and the built environment.
2. Creative workshops taking place throughout the UK aimed at introducing young people to an exciting array of creative mediums, techniques, processes, industries and careers.
3. Work experience and mentoring programmes for young people who want to become architects and/or built environment professionals with workshops and advice focusing on portfolio and interview preparation and writing successful UCAS letters and CVs.
4. Networking opportunities to enable young people to meet like-minded peers, academics and professionals working in the sector and to form connections that can help them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

To ensure that the Young People’s Programme is appealing and relevant, and to ensure that participants can have agency over their own learning, we have established a Young People’s Forum made up of young people from across London who can give feedback on RIBA’s programmes, activities and resources for young people and who can share their own ideas for programme themes and content.

We have completed the application process for 2024 but we will be recruiting for new members of the Youth Forum in April 2025.

Digital resources

Are you considering studying architecture at university? See our list of digital resources below for more information about what it’s like to work as an architect:

• RIBA Study Architecture Well - this downloadable PDF shows what it’s like to study architecture at university
• A guide to architectural practices - this downloadable PDF from RIBA Future Architects explains how to identify different types of architectural practices when looking for a job or work experience
• Meet the architects - this downloadable PDF from RIBA Future Architects profiles different architects and explores how they got their start in the sector
• Found Futures - demystifies the architecture industry and presents young people with insights from leading professionals from diverse backgrounds. Explore their video resource library.

<figure><iframe width="100%" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rK-0XwwQ7o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe><figcaption>Behind the Scenes in Practice: Working on site and in the studio. This video is part of RIBA Future Architects Prep for Practice, a programme of support aimed at graduating Part 1 students, developed to help with the transition to employment or continued education.</figcaption></figure>