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The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) today launches a new scheme aimed at helping architecture students and graduates who are unable to find suitable work placements in the current economic climate.

Called Host Practice, the scheme enables RIBA student members and graduates access to a national online network of practices and universities interested in hosting students in their office. These students will have the opportunity to utilise the practice's facilities to work on entries for competitions, private commissions and research, as well as being offered an overview of practice activities.

The scheme also intends to introduce graduates to universities that have identified suitable research projects related to the practice of architecture, with the potential for offering fellowships to suitable candidates. This research may be eligible for recording on the PEDR as post part 1 practical experience.  

Speaking today, RIBA Director of Education David Gloster said:

'The current recession is deeply troubling to students and graduates of architecture; however, Host Practice offers a means for committed graduates to remain in close touch with practices and universities, exchanging experience and developing collective strategies to combat economic downturn. The RIBA cannot offer leverage on the global economy, but this programme allows a new network of professional opportunities to develop, and offer graduates optimism for a sustainable future.'

RIBA student members will be able to access the Host Practice database and make applications online through: www.architecture.com|. Practices and universities can register their interest in the scheme by contacting the RIBA Online Services team, at online.services@inst.riba.org|, who will provide them with a login to upload their vacancy on the database.