After a rigorous selection process, eight of our Built Environment Learners have been hand-picked to act as advocates and ambassadors for RIBA’s Young People’s Forum. 

These LDE UTC learners come from a diversity of backgrounds but they all share a common passion – Architecture and the Built Environment. They will embark on a 1-year long program and meet monthly at RIBA’s headquarters in Central London where they will give feedback on RIBA’s programmes and develop ideas for activities and resources for young people.

The Young People’s Programme will be made up of several strands including; 

• Digital resources, activities and events that explore what architecture and the built environment is and routes into careers linked to architecture and the built environment.
  Creative workshops aimed at introducing young people to an exciting array of creative mediums, techniques, processes, industries and careers.
• 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 CV’s.
• Networking opportunities to enable young people to meet like-minded piers, academics and professionals working in the sector and to form connections that can help them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
• This is an amazing opportunity for our learners to work with a world class organisation and learning practical and theoretical skills to help them in future careers in architecture, design and the built environment. 

One of the highlights of their first meeting was the private tour around the spectacular RIBA HQ in Portland Place. It was eye-opening to learn about the building’s rich history where every little detail has their own backstory. One unusual yet innovative feature is a room with removable panels on the walls for easy maintenance, and a platform that raises to form a dance floor, “Groovy!” exclaimed Jericho. 

A group challenge tested the creativity and teamwork of the participants when they were tasked to construct a “shelter” that fits a single person, made out of sticks and zip ties. One group constructed a bridge that they affectionately named “Tragedy” as another named theirs “The Wonky Tent” featuring an innovative “open air design.” 

Learner Mahia reflected on the visit and said “We are all really proud to represent LDE UTC for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to working with leading architects and industry experts in the upcoming meetings. I feel myself going one step closer to pursuing my dream of becoming an architect one day”.

We are proud of our Ambassadors for the RIBA Young People’s Forum 2022: Anis, Jericho, Mahia, Masfia, Maya, Omar, Rugile and Skye.