Salary expectations 'are too high'

02/07/2012 09:09:57

 

New research suggests that new architecture graduates have salary expectations that are as much as £4,000 above what employers are ready to give them.

The information comes from a poll conducted by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Appointments and Newcastle University between October and December last year. It shows that graduates are looking for £20,800 per annum but are only likely to be offered around £17,000.

Around 79% of employers in the survey thought that new graduates didn't have the necessary practical skills, while a lot of students responded that better links between universities and industry employers was needed. Paul Chappell, from RIBA Appointments, says it shows how different employers' and students' expectations are.

"The last few years have been incredibly difficult for architectural graduates with practices often receiving over 500 applications per job," he said.

"We have however noticed an improvement recently and more opportunities are available for the right candidates. This survey though highlights the different expectations of employers and graduates and the importance of matching skill requirements when looking for work."

Both parties were in agreement that more time needs to be spent learning in practice though, with 78% of students and 82% of employers concurring. There was also a fairly similar response to whether courses should be shorter, with just 39% of students and 37% of employers saying they should be, and most agree they should be cheaper.

Copyright Press Association 2012

 

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