Modelmaker Apprenticeship

FOSTER + PARTNERS LIMITED

London (SW11 4AN)

Closes in 29 days (Thursday 30 April 2026)

Posted on 31 March 2026

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Contents

Summary

Delivered in association with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), Foster + Partners is offering a unique three-year modelmaker programme with a level 6 qualification, equivalent to a bachelor's degree. 

Wage

£28,808 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Model maker (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

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 modelmaker.

  • 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.
  • Develop, where required, model samples and modelmaking techniques for further discussion by the design team.
  • Record evidence of professional experience in accordance with the requirements of the BS(Hons) modelmaking course and assigned manager.
  • Assist with preparing exhibitions and presentations off-site as instructed by Modelshop Partners and/or Workshop Managers.
  • Assist with unloading and prompt storage of deliveries to the workshop.
  • Assist with the safe lifting and moving of models within the office campus under the direction of Modelshop Partners and/or Workshop Managers.
  • Work to the health & safety (“H&S”) requirements.
  • Ensure all works are carried out using the relevant personal protective equipment (‘PPE’).
  • Contribute, or otherwise assist, as required
  • Equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is a core priority. To support and champion the embedding of this focus as a collective workforce responsibility, EDI should be integrated, where relevant, into all workstreams.
  • Thorough knowledge of and compliance with F+P procedures and standards.

Where you'll work

Riverside Three
Albert Wharf
22 Hester Road
London
SW11 4AN

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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

More training information

The Modelmaker Apprentice will spend 20% of the contracted time in academic training and 80% will be utilised to learn through practice, leading to academic qualifications.

Requirements

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

Other requirements

  • Demonstrating evidence of 3D making and/or model making skills
  • Strong conceptual and design talent

About this employer

Foster + Partners is a global studio for architecture, urbanism, and design, rooted in sustainability and innovation. Headquartered in London with projects spanning over 50 countries, the practice is known for its collaborative approach, cutting-edge technology, and award-winning design across sectors including cultural, civic, infrastructure, and workplace. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating an inclusive environment where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.

https://www.fosterandpartners.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Annual Leave.
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI).
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Dental Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Group Income Protection.
  • Group Life Assurance.
  • Pension.

After this apprenticeship

After completing the Level 6 Modelmaker Apprenticeship, most apprentices progress into a Junior Modelmaker role, where they take on more independent modelmaking responsibilities. From there, career paths typically include progressing to Modelmaker and Senior Modelmaker, specialising in areas such as digital fabrication, 3D printing, or CNC machining. Those with leadership or organisational strengths can move into Workshop Supervisor, Coordinator, or eventually Modelshop Manager roles. 

These skills are also transferable into other model making industries across other sectors (Film, TV, Product Design).

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

FOSTER + PARTNERS LIMITED

Susi Cardew

scardew@fosterandpartners.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000022706.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Thursday 30 April 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.