We offer several PLACED Academy Programmes, offering a range of opportunities to get involved.
PLACED Academy Foundations is our latest addition to the Academy Programmes, and give young people in years 7-9 a taster of what being part of the Academy is like. In 2025 we ran two programmes, one in Liverpool and one in Manchester, and both were completely free to attend. You can read more here.
PLACED Academy Studio, our original Academy model, consists of an annual nine-month programme for up to 60 young people aged 14-18 from across the Northwest. Established to offer a comprehensive programme of learning and support, it includes a summer school, Saturday design workshops, skills sessions, and mentoring from built environment professionals. Our programme is funded by Partners and Sponsors. Recruitment is launched in spring of each year. You can read more here.
PLACED Academy Alumni enables us to offer ongoing support to our Academy graduates as they embark on the next stage of their journey. Currently funded by PLACED, graduates can benefit from a range of additional support. You can read more here.
PLACED Partnership Academy range from three days to six months. Partnership Academies are funded and delivered with a dedicated Partner and sponsor, and focus on targeted areas or projects across the Northwest. We recruit for programmes throughout the year when funding becomes available. You can read more here.
Future Designers Competition is an annual competition designed for those in years 7-11, and our Alumni to provide an opportunity to develop design skills and support emerging talent interested in design, architecture, places and the built environment. You can read more here.
The programmes above are just the beginning. We continue to grow and evolve our offer to ensure we can support young people in accessing careers, breaking down barriers and making the most of their talents. To find out how you can get involved and help us to make better places together visit our Support the Academy page.
If you’d like to be informed about future programmes directly, you can sign up to our mailing list here.