Early careers
Diverse pathways into the industry
Work experience
We offer work experience programmes throughout the year across our UK and Ireland studios, designed to give aspiring designers a meaningful introduction to careers in the built environment.
Whether your interests lie in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture or beyond, our programmes provide an opportunity to explore the profession that inspires you. In all studios, you can focus on a single discipline, while in some of our larger studios, you’ll have the chance to take part in a multidisciplinary experience, gaining insight into several fields during your time with us.
All live work experience opportunities will be available via our careers page. If you can’t find a suitable opportunity at the moment, or are interested in finding out more, please send us an email:
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Sheffield - hrnorth@bdp.com
Bristol - HRSouthWest@bdp.com
Dublin - HR-Ireland@bdp.com
London - HR-London@bdp.com
Recent graduates
We are passionate about fostering young talent within our industry and are committed to investing in our people from the very beginning of their careers. We welcome and recruit graduates into our multidisciplinary practice, providing them with mentoring and support to enable them to develop, thrive, and progress towards professional qualifications within their chosen profession.
“BDP’s innovative and sustainable design solutions match my values and interest in the built environment. Working in a multidisciplinary, international firm offers diverse projects and learning opportunities from colleagues with different skillsets. BDP prioritizes employee well-being and offers a positive company culture with professional development opportunities. I found a supportive and inclusive workplace which is important for personal and professional growth whilst working towards my part III Diploma.”
“BDP stood out for me as a postgraduate job due to its diverse projects in various sectors and its focus on sustainability. Being a multidisciplinary firm allows for greater collaboration, leading to comprehensive and effective solutions. As a building services engineer, I enjoy the dynamic and challenging work environment, opportunities for innovation, and the ability to make a positive impact. The social side of BDP is also a highlight, with colleagues becoming friends, and the support and encouragement for further study and professional development is greatly appreciated.”
Apprenticeships
For over a decade, we have been providing apprenticeships in our UK studios, to support our commitment to helping foster diversity in our industry. Since 2012, we have recruited apprentices across a variety of professions including architecture, civil and structural engineering, environmental engineering, HR, project management, and town planning.
Read more about early careers at BDP
Apprenticeships: standing the test of time
Apprenticeships are accessible for all and have a real part to play in terms of social mobility.
A coalition for change
Architect Apprentice, Carmel Simmonds, explains how diversity and inclusivity in architecture can be achieved by nurturing young talent from all races, classes, education routes, and backgrounds.
Regeneration Brainery
Mark Braund, Architect, describes how our partnership with a social enterprise supports young talent.