A good example is Manchester based Raynes Architecture. Lisa Raynes, Chairman of Women in Property North West 2009-2011, was invited to judge the 2011 student awards, where she was given a showcase of the best of the North West property students.
Impressed by their talent and enthusiasm, she invited two of the brightest architectural students to join her for work placements during the summer. Charlotte Robinson is studying Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture and was announced winner of the North West Student Awards this year. Eleanor Winder is studying Architecture Design Technology at Salford University and is a finalist in the North West Awards.
Lisa Raynes said,
“The girls are like a shot of espresso! Their enthusiasm is motivational. I love the intelligent banter offering a completely fresh point of view.
“They have helped me test my systems, administration, reports and so on, as well as assisting on ‘real life’ schemes, so they have gained valuable experience. I think for all of us it’s a win-win situation. The WiP Student Awards programme offers real opportunities to students and employers alike – I would encourage other businesses to take a close look at this scheme and the talented group of young women it identifies. There are some real stars of the future.”
Charlotte Robinson said,
“I gained a placement as an Architectural Assistant at Raynes Architecture after winning the North West region Women in Property Student Award.
“As a relatively small practice, working at Raynes Architecture has allowed me to experience a comprehensive range of responsibilities held by an architect, from meetings with clients to understanding building regulations. I have developed a thorough understanding of project feasibility and a real insight into the building industry, especially interesting working in the current economic climate and understanding the restrictions this may bring.”
Eleanor said:
“During difficult economic times gaining a placement is vital and I am so pleased to have attained it through the WIP Student Awards. My tutor putting me forward for the Awards in recognition of my work has had a very positive effect.
“Working with Lisa I have been given a lot of responsibility and, due to the work load, I have had to take the initiative on projects assigned to me, making sure deadlines were adhered to. This has given me a good understanding of the RIBA stages and how they are implemented in reality. In this time I have been able to put into practice the theory learnt so far in my two years of study and it really helps to see the principles in action “