CAE Pathways is a new 12 month programme created by the Centre for Accessible Environments to give young disabled Londoners the confidence, skills and support they need to kick start a career in inclusive design and access.
Pathways students enjoying module two in an interactive online environment
Since October, we’ve been helping 14 young people learn how they can improve the accessibility of our built environment.
Student Tanvi Vyas said: “Pathways is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the industry who’re also really good at teaching – which makes a massive difference. I already feel I have a greater understanding of the built environment. I’m excited about learning more and applying this in context.
“The programme is also organised really well; you get to meet new people and learn lots in an interactive environment. I’d definitely recommend it.”
So far, students have attended two training days per month learning about inclusive design, the Equality Act and how to carry out an access audit.
In the coming months, Pathways students will be learning about new topics including wayfinding in the pedestrian environment and digital accessibility.
By June 2021, trainees will have completed 22 days training, plus on the job shadowing sessions and mentoring from industry experts.
Student Alice Chappell admitted she was a little anxious about starting the programme: “I was nervous about studying built environments before applying for the programme, as my spatial awareness – which I now know is linked to my disability – has always been terrible. But two modules in, I’m surprised by how accessible I’m finding the information we cover on the course.
She added: “Other trainees on the course have a wealth of varied experience and we all have diverse needs. As a result, they offer great insight into this field, and I am learning from them as well as from our tutors. In that respect, Pathways is like a masterclass in inclusivity, in its content and in its practices.”
Interested in applying for Pathways 2021/22 intake?
If you’d like to find out more or be part of the next intake in 2021, get in touch on pathways@cae.org.uk.
Visit CAE Pathways Programme.