Do you work with metal as a material for art and architecture, and want to spend a year turning that craft into real, built projects? A PEPE Architects, an architecture studio based in Porto, Portugal, is offering a 12-month traineeship in artistic metalwork and metal sculpture, working hands-on alongside a mentor on architectural metal elements and restoration projects.
The studio's approach is shaped by historical European architecture, particularly Italian architectural culture, as well as contemporary Portuguese architecture. Around 70% of its work is residential, and roughly half of its commissions involve the restoration and transformation of existing buildings, so the traineeship sits right where craft, art, and architecture meet.
🔨 What You Will Do
Working alongside a mentor, the trainee takes part in the design, development, and execution of artistic metalwork and architectural metal elements. Depending on the projects during the internship, activities may include:
✏️ Drawing and prototyping
🔥 Fabrication, welding, and assembly
✨ Finishing, surface treatments, and patinas
🏛️ Installation on architectural and restoration projects
🪟 Possibly the design and execution of artistic glasswork elements, depending on the projects developed
The traineeship combines artistic experimentation with practical fabrication techniques and their application to architectural and restoration work.
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🧑🎨 Who Should Apply
🛠️ Technical training in artistic metalwork, metallurgy, metal fabrication, or a related discipline
🔧 Previous practical experience with metalworking techniques
🎨 A natural artistic aptitude and sensitivity to form, materials, and architectural details
✋ Manual skills, precision, and attention to detail
🗣️ The ability to communicate and work in English at B2 level
🎬 Prefer the creative-design side of things? This placement blends design with a cultural setting: Internship in 🇫🇷 France 💻 Web Designer Intern at an Independent Film Festival 🎬 → https://youthworkshub.org/19950
💶 Funding
The traineeship is unpaid by the studio. As an Erasmus+ traineeship, students should check with their home university whether they are eligible for an Erasmus+ grant to support their mobility.
📋 Details
📆 Period: 1 October 2026 to 1 October 2027
⏳ Duration: 12 months, full-time
📍 Location: Porto, Portugal
📩 How to Apply
Contact the studio exclusively by email, sending a portfolio and CV.
⏰ Deadline
29 September 2026.
🔗 Links
🌐 Studio: https://www.a-pepe.com
📧 Application email: apaa@a-pepe.com
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
