OUR PROGRAMMES

At PLACED Academy, we offer a long-term pathway into the built environment, not one-off interventions. From age 11, young people can take part in creative experiences that build knowledge, confidence, communication and problem-solving skills alongside real-world insight. Starting with PLACED Academy Foundations, moving through to our flagship PLACED Academy Studio, continuing into Alumni support and Pathways opportunities. Young people can begin their PLACED Academy journey at any stage, with no previous experience required, joining a programme that suits their age.

CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY WITH
PLACED ACADEMY

OUR ALUMNI

PLACED Academy Alumni offers ongoing support for graduates aged
15–25 as they move into the next stage of their early careers. Running year-round, Alumni creates opportunities for young people to keep building their confidence, skills and connections through work experience, mentoring, professional development workshops and speaking opportunities. It is designed to help young people progress in the sector, stay connected to the PLACED Academy community and continue growing beyond the programme itself.

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

  • PLACED Academy is completely FREE of charge for participants. We recognise that travel can sometimes be a barrier. PLACED also provides support to cover travel expenses, ensuring that this valuable learning experience is accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial circumstances. More information about travel will be released before the programmes begin.

  • All programmes are typically held in Liverpool and Manchester, although sometimes projects are held in other towns, so our sessions take place across the Northwest. When selecting venues, a priority is always placed on central locations within each city. This approach ensures that the sessions are as easily reachable as possible for all participants, no matter where they are travelling from within the region.

    Sometimes, our sessions will involve a site visit, and we will make sure to communicate this in advance of the workshop. These visits are always included in our risk assessment process, and we ensure that the adult-to-young-person ratio is maintained while on site.

    Information will be circulated for each session about 1-2 weeks beforehand, and requires participants to sign up to sessions each time.

    Participants are expected to gather 10 credits, based on attendance, to graduate.

  • We are looking for enthusiastic and engaged young people with a genuine interest in the built environment. We also value creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and collaborate. We want each cohort to be balanced and representative, so we also consider diversity and representation in the selection process, with a strong focus on including young people from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the sector.

  • You won't need to worry about bringing anything along to the PLACED Academy sessions. All the necessary materials and equipment for the activities will be provided for you. Just come ready to learn and engage!

  • While the PLACED Academy may not lead to a formal qualification, participants will receive a certificate of completion acknowledging their involvement and the skills they have developed. This can be a valuable addition to your personal portfolio. 

  • Yes, we are experienced working with young people with a range of neurodivergent profiles, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyspraxia. Our team is continuously learning and developing our understanding of neurodiversity and ways to support our learners. Find out more about accessibility and inclusion.

  • Yes, we are committed to supporting young people with a wide range of disabilities. We work to ensure our physical spaces and learning materials are as accessible as possible and make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs. Find out more about accessibility and inclusion.