Stalemate Over Internship Rule Puts New Architects at Risk

Wednesday 13 December 2023 - 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Stalemate Over Internship Rule Puts New Architects at Risk

A longstanding dispute between Morocco's National Council of Architects (CNOA) and the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG) regarding an internship requirement is jeopardizing the career prospects of emerging architects.

CNOA President Chakib Benabdellah argues that the two-year apprenticeship mandated by law is crucial for novice architects to acquire practical knowledge not covered in academic curriculums. However, the SGG counters that the rule, unenforced for 30 years, would now be disruptive if strictly imposed.

While Benabdellah sympathizes with the need to update legislation, he insists that action cannot wait for a lengthy legislative overhaul. Given that over 400 architecture graduates enter the field annually, amid the proliferation of questionable training programs, urgency dictates the application of the existing statute, despite its imperfections. The provisions in place offer essential safeguards and structure that are often absent in typical office experiences.

An analogous four-year internship requirement for lawyers supports the idea of some transitional seasoning. Denying newcomers the opportunity to refine their skills and grasp proper protocols before independent practice poses a risk of underprepared architects threatening public and client interests alike.

As the deadlock persists, each passing month places a new cohort of fledgling designers in professional jeopardy. Until a consensus is reached between the Architect Council and government administrators, newly minted graduation certificates will provide little assurance for holders' futures.