Young architects from Europe are drawing on the expertise of a Hampshire company to develop their skills.
Graduate Silvia Battistoni has become the 15th fully-qualified intern to accept a work placement in the past four years at Portsmouth chartered surveyors, architects and engineers McAndrew Martin.
Italian Silvia was welcomed to McAndrew Martin’s Dundas Lane offices by director Ian Lee and architect David de Miguel Vidal after signing up through Portsmouth-based Training Vision.
David, 29, who is from Asturias in northern Spain, arrived at McAndrew Martin on a three-month placement in September 2010 as a fully-qualified architect and impressed so much that he was offered a permanent position.
Director Ian Lee said: “This worthwhile scheme works very well for the young architects who come to gain valuable experience and for us.
“We see ourselves as an outward looking company which is open to new ideas, focused on staff development and keen to give something back.
“David has become a great success story as an integral part of our expert team and we are delighted to have Silvia follow in his footsteps for a few months.”
Fully-qualified architects in Europe are allowed to take up work placements abroad after graduation to gain experience and improve their English.
Silvia, 27, who is from Fabriano, near Ancona, said: “I am gaining a great range of experience in different areas of the business.
“Everyone has been very friendly, helpful and encouraging.”
David, 29, who lives in Southsea, is an architect and computer aided design (CAD) manager at McAndrew Martin.
He said: “I am pleased that I stayed as I have been able to enjoy my time and develop my career with McAndrew Martin.”
Silvia is on a four-month placement – made even more interesting by the World Cup.
She said: “It is interesting enjoying the football in another country.”
David, fan of World Cup holders Spain, added: “There are some interesting discussions in the morning after matches.”
Training Vision, which is based in Somers Road North, is an educational company and part of a network of six other agencies around Europe.
It places about 1000 students and young professionals in businesses in the Portsmouth area every year.
Federica Bocciarelli, who is work placement and training director, said: “It is a real pleasure to work with McAndrew Martin.
“The training that they offer is valuable and all of the placements are completely satisfied about the experience professionally and personally speaking.”
McAndrew Martin, based at Fairway Business Centre, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
