Early Careers

We run an annual work experience programme for Year 11, 12 and 13 students that offers an overview of career opportunities available within a multi-disciplinary practice such as Foster + Partners. This programme, which runs for up to two weeks, is particularly suited for students hoping to study architecture or any other creative discipline. The experience encourages development of software skills alongside presentation skills and teamwork.

Working with our design teams, our in-practice placements and internships offer an immersive experience for Part 1 Architectural Assistants and early BIM professionals on design projects. Working closely with designers and clients, the three to twelve-month paid placements are an opportunity for holistic professional development.

The RIBA Foundation in Architecture is a global course offering a flexible route into architecture, allowing students to build a portfolio and gain paid work experience. The course is delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and the RIBA and includes a six-week paid work placement. Foster + Partners is one of the studios offering the practice-based element of this programme. Graduates of the RIBA Foundation course are prepared for further study at Part 1 level on a practice-based route such as the RIBA Studio Certificate Part 1 and the RIBA Apprenticeship Part 1 courses.

We offer apprenticeships in a number of different areas of expertise across the practice including Architecture, Engineering (Environmental and Structural), Materials Research Centre, Learning & Development, Human Resource, IT and Finance. Apprenticeship programmes provide a two-fold learning experience with academic studies and on-the-job learning, while providing a working salary throughout. Foster + Partners is one of the founding members of the Architecture Apprenticeship programme in the UK - which provides an alternative and affordable route to architectural qualifications.

The mentoring programme at Foster + Partners is designed to support our people with their career growth. It is a developmental process in which a trained mentor shares experiences from their professional journey with a mentee through a series of conversations. The programme enables professional growth of mentees, mentors and the wider practice.

Each year, we bring together recent graduates from the practice (UK and overseas offices) to display their final university projects. The exhibition reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the practice, including architects, urban and landscape designers, interior designers, structural and environmental engineers.
This is an opportunity for our people to showcase their work and ideas to the wider practice, including Norman Foster, Senior Executive Partners and fellow peers.

Young City Makers is a creative learning programme for KS2 primary school students. The aim of the programme is to inspire the next generation of city-shapers; for children to understand how architecture and design informs the world around us. Each year, as a principal partner, we team up with an inner-city London school and together, respond to a design challenge. The programme also aims to train teachers on how architecture can be used to teach a variety of subjects including art, design, numeracy, literacy, geography and science while improving children’s drawing, model-making, communication and problem-solving skills.

We provide meaningful opportunities for students from the age of nine years to learn, develop new skills and grow their confidence. Our engagement programmes focus on design, drawing and skills for the built environment, through delivering presentations and lectures in schools and universities. We also sponsor a number of graduate shows at national and international universities.

Since 2021, we have partnered with InvestIN, a London based organisation that provides both UK-based and international students, aged 15-18, with an immersive experience of their dream career. Foster + Partners deliver workshops as part of the Architecture and Engineering summer school programmes. The sessions help to unearth future stars of the industry by guiding them with presentations, career advice and hands-on workshops including modelmaking and drawing.

Blueprint for all (formerly The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust) was founded to address inequality in all its forms. Our practice focusses on that same vision to create a fairer world in which everybody, no matter their background, can succeed. We have a dedicated internship programme for Part 1 Architecture students from Blueprint for All ranging from 3 – 12 months. In addition, we also offer training programmes to develop skills in interviewing techniques, presentations, portfolios and software. We also work closely with the organisation to identify opportunities for full-time roles for their apprentices at the practice.

Blueprint 1000® connects industry with education. As an industry partner, each year we facilitate a group of teachers as part of the Teachers in Residence programme in the UK. The aim is for teachers to further their D&T subject knowledge - which can then help shape the creative, technical and vocational education they receive - ensuring lessons are relevant and up to date for students as they leave education and enter the workplace.