BDC International Work Experience For VET 2017-2019

Students have participated in placements related to their vocational areas including :

“I mostly assisted a plumber with air conditioning and underfloor heating. I experienced a different style of plumbing, which was great. Furthermore, we were fixing boilers in customers’ houses and repairing faults. I now feel that if I had to fit any underfloor heating or conditioning pipes, I would be comfortable to do it without any assistance or supervision.”

Khalil, Construction student, Lebrija

Project results

91% rather or very satisfied

91% would recommend their host employer

78% improved their chances of getting a job

“My internship mostly focussed on search engine optimisation and handling new software, with the aim to market the company more efficiently and establish contacts in Britain. I plan to go to university to study computing once I finish my course, so I have already included this in my application.”

Roberto, ICT student, Prague
“The trip was a process of self learning; the way Spanish people work in my field of construction; learning how to look after myself in another country and learning some Spanish in the lessons I participated in. Every day of my experience was an eye opener!”

Jayden, Plumbing student, Lebrija
“The programme stands out clearly on my CV. I was able to appreciate how different aspects of plumbing are prioritised in different countries due to climate and building styles. In Spain you have to plan for the heat whilst in the UK you plan for the colder weather.”

Jed, Plumbing student, Lebrija

Team work skills 85%

Problem solving skills 84%

Independent learning skills 80%

Technical and professional skills 80%

More adaptable 91%

More curious and open-minded 87%

More confident 85%

More aware of own strengths & weaknesses 83%

Social and civic competencies 82%

Digital competencies 65%

Foreign language competencies 65%

STEM competencies 49%

“Even though the experience could be quite challenging at times, it gave me the opportunity to support my group on deeper level than I could have back in the college. I had a greater involvement in the development of the students’ life skills, confidence and work experience.”

Angeligi, Hair & Beauty tutor, Crete