Liverpool social enterprise launches regeneration skills academy

A new free academy in the North West of England has been set up to teach students about the built environment.

Liverpool social enterprise Placed has launched the Placed Academy in the hope of inspiring the next generation of architects, planners and urban designers.

The academy aims to open up the creative sector for students by preparing them for further study or work experience in the field.

Placed director, Jo Harrop said: ‘The Placed Academy will provide a tailored programme of support, whilst connecting young people with those working and studying in the sector.

‘By working with young people from a wide range of communities and supporting those under-represented in the sector, we can help to diversify the sector for the future.’

The year-long academy will be open to students in years 10, 11 and 12 during the 2019/20 academic year and is completely free to attend, unlike similar courses.

The academy will develop bespoke programmes with participants to help them follow their desired path and put students in contact with professional architects, planners and urban designers to give them inside knowledge of the field.

The programme, which has already attracted several sponsors, is being delivered in conjunction with the Regenda Group and the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Liverpool.

Dr Sam Hayes, from the department of Geography and Planning at the University of Liverpool’s School of Environmental Sciences, said: ‘The School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Liverpool is proud to be a partner on the Placed Academy because it helps us to get the message out about interesting and rewarding career paths available in the built environment.

‘Placed are amazing at helping us to spread this message and we hope the project will encourage young people from the city region to consider studying and working in the built environment, and ultimately to make places better for everyone.’

Placed, which delivers education programmes surrounding placemaking, has previously delivered projects such as ‘Hidden Liverpool’ which explored residents to explore memories in some of the city’s now empty buildings.

Companies have been invited to sponsor individual places for young people to make the academy accessible to as many children as possible.