Model Maker Apprenticeship

WestonWilliamson+Partners

London (SE1 8QH)

Closes in 10 days (Thursday 25 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 September 2025


Summary

In this role, you will work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, creative environment, gathering practical experience while studying towards a BA (Hons) Modelmaking degree with Arts University Bournemouth. You will be involved in crafting high-quality architectural models. https://vimeo.com/1084557705?fl=pl&fe=sh

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Model maker (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday. Typical daytime working hours – start/end times TBA (32 hours in the studio and 8 hours of study per week).

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 29 September 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Assist with the making of physical models using a range of hand tools, machinery and digital tools as instructed by your nominated model maker
  • Complete assigned training projects on time and record evidence as required
  • Prepare drawings, presentations and models
  • Plan workload to deliver on time and ahead of target

Where you'll work

12 Valentine Place
London
SE1 8QH

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH, THE

Training course

Model maker (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Identify which model types, construction methods and tools will be needed for tasks throughout the building process, taking into consideration resources, time, type of materials, and the desired appearance and functionality of the model.
  • Identify paints, glues, materials and processes to fabricate models, utilising industry standard sizes and sustainable options where appropriate (for example, moulding, casting, laser cutting).
  • Select materials taking into account whether they have already been or will eventually be painted, tinted, stained or left in their natural state.
  • Undertake designs for relevant stages of the model making process (for example, prototypes, working models and presentation models).
  • Produce design drawings to scale, using colour and material references when appropriate, to convey overall design concept and finishes of a model.
  • Create and experiment with model samples to influence the final design of a built model.
  • Analyse technical drawings considering the varying scales, details and tolerances and costs needed for a physical model.
  • Select and use appropriate digital systems to develop designs (for example, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe CS, CorelDRAW, Revit, SOLIDWORKS).
  • Use paints, glues, materials and processes to fabricate models, utilising industry standard sizes and sustainable options where appropriate. (for example, moulding, casting, laser cutting)
  • Cut, shape, mould, join, combine, sand and finish various materials, maintaining their form throughout the process, appropriate temperature and technique.
  • Assemble models and their components.
  • Select and use hand tools and machinery (for example, chisels and planes, hammers and screwdrivers, hand saw, sanding and abrasive tools).
  • Select and use power tools (for example, drills, jigsaw, router, circular saw).
  • Select and use workshop machinery (for example, table saw, band saw, pillar drill, disc sander, sewing machine, moulding and casting facilities).
  • Select and use digital tools (for example, 3D printer, CNC, laser cutters).
  • Select and use support equipment (for example, scale rule, measuring instruments, jigs and clamps).
  • Produce finishes (for example, spray or painted finishes).
  • Demonstrate compliance with workshop and production safety policies, equipment operation and safety control measures.
  • Work safely with chemicals and hazardous substances, using the correct controls (for example, dust or fume extraction), PPE, and storage (for example, the chemicals cupboard).
  • Move, lift, unload and store equipment, models and materials safely.
  • Planning and prioritising tasks, monitoring and organising resources.
  • Prepare reports, drawings, specifications and other documentation to manage projects, undertaking version control as appropriate.
  • Present and discuss project proposals, justifications, and conclusions to technical and non-technical stakeholders, using colour and material references.
  • Update and input project time and resource information on digital resource planning software.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information.
  • Assess suitability and availability or materials through communication with colleagues, identifying possible alternatives for products that aren’t available if necessary.
  • Source the necessary approval from relevant parties (for example, internal stakeholders, photographic models, copyright holders) to facilitate appropriate information exchange throughout workflow.
  • Apply team working techniques to build effective working relationships with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders and to promote accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles in the workplace to model and promote good practice.
  • Critically reflect on their own work in relation to model making as a creative craft, undertaking research to maintain up-to-date industry knowledge (for example, attending industry events).
  • Undertake reviews of personal and professional development needs. Plan development activity to meet personal and organisational objectives. Carry out and record planned and unplanned CPD activities.
  • Identify which model types, construction methods and tools will be needed for tasks throughout the building process, taking into consideration resources, time, type of materials, and the desired appearance and functionality of the model.
  • Identify paints, glues, materials and processes to fabricate models, utilising industry standard sizes and sustainable options where appropriate (for example, moulding, casting, laser cutting).
  • Select materials taking into account whether they have already been or will eventually be painted, tinted, stained or left in their natural state.
  • Undertake designs for relevant stages of the model making process (for example, prototypes, working models and presentation models).
  • Produce design drawings to scale, using colour and material references when appropriate, to convey overall design concept and finishes of a model.
  • Create and experiment with model samples to influence the final design of a built model.
  • Analyse technical drawings considering the varying scales, details and tolerances and costs needed for a physical model.
  • Select and use appropriate digital systems to develop designs (for example, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe CS, CorelDRAW, Revit, SOLIDWORKS).
  • Use paints, glues, materials and processes to fabricate models, utilising industry standard sizes and sustainable options where appropriate. (for example, moulding, casting, laser cutting)
  • Cut, shape, mould, join, combine, sand and finish various materials, maintaining their form throughout the process, appropriate temperature and technique.
  • Assemble models and their components.
  • Select and use hand tools and machinery (for example, chisels and planes, hammers and screwdrivers, hand saw, sanding and abrasive tools).
  • Select and use power tools (for example, drills, jigsaw, router, circular saw).
  • Select and use workshop machinery (for example, table saw, band saw, pillar drill, disc sander, sewing machine, moulding and casting facilities).
  • Select and use digital tools (for example, 3D printer, CNC, laser cutters).
  • Select and use support equipment (for example, scale rule, measuring instruments, jigs and clamps).
  • Produce finishes (for example, spray or painted finishes).
  • Demonstrate compliance with workshop and production safety policies, equipment operation and safety control measures.
  • Work safely with chemicals and hazardous substances, using the correct controls (for example, dust or fume extraction), PPE, and storage (for example, the chemicals cupboard).
  • Move, lift, unload and store equipment, models and materials safely.
  • Planning and prioritising tasks, monitoring and organising resources.
  • Prepare reports, drawings, specifications and other documentation to manage projects, undertaking version control as appropriate.
  • Present and discuss project proposals, justifications, and conclusions to technical and non-technical stakeholders, using colour and material references.
  • Update and input project time and resource information on digital resource planning software.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information.
  • Assess suitability and availability or materials through communication with colleagues, identifying possible alternatives for products that aren’t available if necessary.
  • Source the necessary approval from relevant parties (for example, internal stakeholders, photographic models, copyright holders) to facilitate appropriate information exchange throughout workflow.
  • Apply team working techniques to build effective working relationships with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders and to promote accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles in the workplace to model and promote good practice.
  • Critically reflect on their own work in relation to model making as a creative craft, undertaking research to maintain up-to-date industry knowledge (for example, attending industry events).
  • Undertake reviews of personal and professional development needs. Plan development activity to meet personal and organisational objectives. Carry out and record planned and unplanned CPD activities.

Training schedule

Training will be one day a week online with short blocks of face-to-face training based at the training provider's campus:

Arts University Bournemouth

Wallisdown

Poole

BH12 5HH

More training information

Online training will be run by in-person trainers engaging with interactive activities. Some training will require independent learning and reading. 

Face-to-face residential blocks will be led by specialist trainers with access to specialist facilities. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2)
  • Maths (grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • Art & Design (grade 5)
  • Design Technology (grade 5)

BTEC in:

Art & Design (grade M)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Creative

Other requirements

Submit a portfolio of personal creative work - Provide an up-to-date CV - Be comfortable working with workshop machinery - You must have the right to work in the UK.

About this employer

WW+P is an international architectural and urban design studio. Our ethos of working collaboratively for the enjoyment of everyone influences the many sectors we specialise in We are lucky to be involved in some very exciting and high-profile infrastructure, rail, residential and mixed-use projects, working in a variety of materials and stylistic approaches. It is an exciting place to work, in a grounded architectural practice with a great social culture. Located in our design studio in central London (SE1 4QH) you will enjoy the benefits of working in a highly creative and free-thinking team. We are made up of team players, who work together and are open and trusting with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. Our studio is structured to facilitate a culture of innovation and exemplary design whilst building upon our 40 years of experience, to deliver successful projects. We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and committed apprentice to join our design studio and ‘inhouse’ model team. A flair for design and a background founded in craft would be ideal.

https://wwparchitects.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

An apprentice can access a diverse and broad range of career opportunities in multiple industries, such as becoming an Architectural model maker, Product model maker, Automotive model maker, Prop maker etc.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH, THE

Eleni Germanou

recruit@westonwilliamson.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000338032.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Thursday 25 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

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