

Despite recent efforts to increase diversity in architecture, only 3% of licensed architects are Black or Latinx - a statistic that has remained stagnant for decades. Traditional recruitment methods fall short, as they rely on a higher education pipeline that isn't accessible to all. The industry must expand pathways into the profession, and apprenticeship presents a transformative opportunity. In 17 U.S. states and territories, apprenticeship is a recognized alternative to a NAAB-accredited degree for licensure, yet it remains underutilized. The Gensler Apprenticeship Program (GAP) is proving that this model works. Now in its third year, GAP is reshaping how firms can attract, train, and retain talent by integrating education with hands-on experience. This session will share the lessons learned from launching and scaling an apprenticeship program at the largest architecture firm in the world. Attendees will gain actionable insights on structuring an apprenticeship or applying the principles to their own business. Attendees will also learn about GAP S impact on office culture and how firms of any size can adopt or adapt similar models to drive meaningful change in recruitment, training, and licensure accessibility.