Building a Career in Architecture: Connor’s Story
This week is Learning at Work Week, a fantastic opportunity to celebrate growth and development within our professional lives. We're excited to share the journey of Connor Ward, a Trainee Architectural Technician at Studio G, whose story perfectly demonstrates the power of continuous learning.
Connor's career path with Gusto Group began after completing his university studies amidst Covid-19, gaining his Bachelor of Science BSc in 2021. He initially joined us as an Administrative Assistant at Gusto Construction, it was here that he discovered his passion for housing, design and technology which led Connor to join Studio G in June 2024.
Now, Connor is actively building his skills as a Trainee Architectural Technician and his commitment to learning is key to his role. Connor spends one day a week at Lincoln College completing a Design and Build Technician HNC Level 4, and the other four days he is gaining hands-on experience in the Studio G office. This mixture of academic study and practical application perfectly represents the spirit of Learning at Work Week.
Connor said: “Combining college with hands-on work has been invaluable for my development. Studying in class while also working has allowed me to directly apply what I learn to real-world situations. This experience has strengthened my problem-solving skills, as I see how concepts work in practice. It has also enhanced my technical abilities, improved my time management, and developed my communication and leadership skills. Balancing education with work has not only deepened my understanding but also prepared me for more advanced roles in the industry.”
The Design and Build Technician HNC at Lincoln College joins practical construction experience with academic knowledge, the course gives a solid base for the technical side of construction. The course covers a Construction Design Project, The Construction Environment, Construction Technology, Legal and Statutory Requirements, Digital Applications for Construction Information, Financial Management and Business Practices, Tender and Procurement and Building Information Modelling.
Connor's ambition is to become a certified Architectural Technician, which involves achieving registration with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). This goal highlights his dedication to continuous professional development and he will play a vital role in bridging the gap between design and construction.
Connor's journey, from discovering a passion to actively pursuing the necessary skills and qualifications, is a wonderful example of how embracing learning can lead to an exciting career progression. During this Learning at Work Week, we celebrate Connor's dedication and the ongoing learning that shapes his path in the architectural world.
