Over the past academic year, we have worked with Wiltshire College & University Centre to support delivery of their first Turing Scheme project.
The UK government funding enabled 38 learners, recruited from Travel & Tourism, Digital Media and Sports departments to undertake to international work placements in Crete and Seville.
This built on the College’s previous EU funded work placements, and saw the expansion of the programme to the College’s Digital Media department.
We caught up with Simon Weintroub, Deputy Head of the Creative Arts Faculty, to get his perspective of the value of the programme for his learners..
International Work Placement Opportunities
The experience really built the learners’ confidence. They felt like professionals, and were able to make suggestions and have ideas. They really felt they could add value to the placements.
The placements were engaging, the students were really listened to and they received positive feedback. They had clear objectives and were working with clients in a professional context. The learners really thrived in this environment, away from the rest of the group, being the expert in the room.
It was liberating for the learners to apply their skills in a real work setting, outside of the classroom. Their technical skills are high and it a real boost for them to see that their skills are valuable.
I can go anywhere in the world and someone will find me useful
The young people who took part are rural kids from tiny villages. The experience has made them realise that the world is less scary than they thought. Students who were incredibly anxious before the trip have gained so much confidence. They now have a clearer idea of how they can apply their learning in a professional setting, of what they want to do next. The course has now clicked for them. They are left with the feeling ‘I can go anywhere in the world and someone will find me useful’.
Hear from Charley, Ella and Ollie about their experiences of a work placement abroad..
What Next?
We are delighted to be a delivery partner for Wiltshire College and University Centre, as they now embark on their second Turing Scheme project in 2024/25, through which they will be introducing new destinations (St Lucia) and new courses (Games Design)
We are currently working with five Colleges in England to support their Turing Scheme project delivery. If your College is interested in working with us, please get in touch.
