Newcastle University

A scheme helping unemployed architecture graduates find work is being hailed as a model of how architecture schools and practices can help students gain access to the profession.

The Graduate Retention & Development programme (Grad), has been operating since January 2010 and lets graduates work in a voluntary capacity on a range of design projects. It is run by local architecture centre Northern Architecture together with Newcastle upon Tyne practice +3 Architecture with the support of Newcastle and Northumbria Universities.

Since last January, half of the 35 participating graduates have found permanent jobs within the industry.

Matthew Margetts, director of +3 Architecture and lecturer at Newcastle University, had the idea after seeing how difficult it was for his students to find work.

“Even our best graduates couldn’t find jobs,” he said. “So we thought why not offer them our under-utilised office space? We also had some old computer equipment to give them, and they can use our internet and photocopiers.” Margetts has also secured work for the group in the charity sector, including designs for Monkchester Nursery & Family Centre in Walker, Newcastle.

“We are also advertising further afield for students to come to us. Even if it’s just one day a week, everyone is welcome,” he added.

Oonagh Baxter, Newcastle graduate and a former Grad, said: “I initially did it so I could keep my portfolio updated and it’s been a great way of meeting people. I’ve recently been offered two jobs, and am now going to work with Aecom in Manchester.”

More details can be found on the archiGRAD website.