Architectural Assistant Apprentice


Company:	SLC
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester, M1 5AN
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	17 Sept 2026
Closing date:	17 Oct 2026

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Summary

You will join our Human-Centred Design team and support the development of rail stations that respond to community needs and accommodate a wide range of access requirements.

This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about making infrastructure and the rail industry more accessible. You will learn how to communicate technical information clearly to clients, stakeholders and diverse user groups, including people who may not have a technical background.

Your work will be varied, ranging from initial station studies and feasibility assessments through to the development of station concepts. Working alongside experienced designers and engineers, you will help develop layouts and design solutions that improve the experience of passengers and station users.

You will also support human factors and inclusive design reviews. This may include researching information about local communities, helping to prepare and support engagement activities, reviewing designs from different user perspectives, and recording recommendations for improvement.

The role will involve working with clients, engineers, architects and other stakeholders to communicate the case for change and build support for new and improved station schemes.

Key Responsibilities

With the mentoring of experienced members of the team, you will:

Produce sketches, plans, drawings and visualisations using software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D and SketchUp.

Support early-stage feasibility studies and the development of station concept designs.

Help ensure designs respond to relevant rail industry, accessibility and building standards.

Coordinate design information with technical leads across rail engineering and station building design disciplines.

Apply creative problem-solving to develop layouts that respond to competing technical, operational and customer requirements.

Prepare drawings, presentations and other materials for stakeholder and community engagement.

Support presentations to clients, community representatives and industry accessibility panels, communicating technical information clearly and inclusively.

Assist with human factors reviews and Equality Impact Assessments.

Record design comments, actions and recommendations, and help demonstrate how designs have been improved in response.

Maintain accurate project records and contribute to the production of reports and design documentation.

Participate in project meetings, site visits and design workshops.

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