Sandersons was recently approached by the Thomas Lord Audley School to see if we would be able to help with their work with students in Years 7, 8 and 9 promoting the benefits of studying a foreign language.
The staff at TLA were looking for somebody to speak to their 7, 8 and 9 Year groups about how learning languages can help in their career.
The obvious choice to help was Andrea Salin.
Andrea was born and educated in Padua in North East Italy and grew up learning both French and English as additional languages. After attaining a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Andrea moved to London where he continued studying to obtain a MSc degree and a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering whilst also developing his English-speaking skills. Andrea began his training as a patent attorney in London, then moved to Colchester working within Sandersons. His language and soft skills are invaluable in his role for us as well as for clients and attorneys throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Andrea spoke to the students in a series of assemblies with Head of Language, Clair Hurley, and Careers Leader, Susan Green, where students learnt more about how studying a language can help develop them as individuals and how the employment opportunities where speaking another language can benefit them as well as the benefits seen by employers where their employees can converse in another language.
The official languages of the European Patent Office (EPO) are English, French and German and all European patent applications must be duly submitted and prosecuted in one of these languages. For people who have English as a first language this is very fortunate but knowing French or German can be extremely helpful.
Andrea said, “As a native Italian speaker, learning English has been extremely important for me, on both professional and personal levels. I really enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with students, and trust this experience encourages them to continue with their language studies whilst also enlightening, and hopefully inspiring, them on their career choices.”
“TLA very much appreciate Andrea and Sandersons supporting them and their students in the promotion of studying languages as a long-term benefit.”
Mrs Green, Careers Leader
