welcome, read from page 1-7 and u'll find something about practical training.

Yeah, we just discuss about it...read it and it's here in this thread, anyway, u're studying at Sarawak? Welcome to LYN architect world...

first, u need to differentiate between practical training (year out) and working during vacation/holidays. practical training is a requirement for architecture to allow students to have a taste of what's out there, as well as applying all theories that they've learned into practise with supervision from professional architects. practical training is actually syllabus based, and u are required to produce a report of the training (which comes with a log book).

working part time during the holidays is basically ur choice. the experience gained is to add to ur own knowledge and will not be assessed in anyway. it's also a method used by some students to "book" a place to work after they graduate.
firms love to take practical trainees. it reminds most of them of their school years. it also gives them a fresh kid to bully (coz they cant bully their own employee). these kids will join the office, get a load of stuff dumped on their shoulders and expected to perform. some do, some dont. those who do will get offered to work in the firm after they graduate.

my friend even secured a permanent job while training because the partners were so impressed with his abilities. he had his final year goyang kaki bcoz he's being paid RM1600 a month (which is a lot for a student).
so back to ur question: it's up to u. if the course do not require practical training, then it's a matter of choice.
congratulations to UIA by the way.