Leeds City College

Placement trips abroad provide students with unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures, gain new skills and boost their employability.

Since January, Leeds City College students have been embarking on global adventures, returning with newfound confidence, enhanced skills and even new friends – all courtesy of Turing Scheme funding.

These international work experiences have expanded the students’ cultural understanding, offering a fresh perspective not only on their academic journey but also on life itself.

Here are some of the exciting trips that have taken place.

Learning to provide restorative care

A couple of Health and Social Care students travelled to Fynn, Denmark, for a work placement at a care home, where they looked after elderly residents.

The placement provided them with an eye-opening experience, gaining insight into how healthcare practices are done differently in Denmark.

Sharing her excitement about being able to use her new skills, student, Alicia, said: “I’ve gained experience in a country where they do things differently. I can use what I’ve learnt and apply my new knowledge when I’m back in England.”

From steel pans to local produce

A collaboration with Turing Scheme partner, Caribbean Elective enabled Creative Arts, Public Services, Sports and Food and Drink students to participate in work placements in the Caribbean, where they took part in a bespoke itinerary of activities.

The Creative Arts students honed their skills and deepened their musical knowledge through collaborations with local Antiguan musicians and schools. One key highlight for the students was the steel pan lessons.

Music student, Jonah, said: “Overall this was an amazing experience to be a part of. I showed intuition on the steel pan and developed collaboration and patience during rehearsals.”

While in St Lucia, the Travel, Food and Drink students learned about farm-to-plate cooking techniques at the Bay Garden Hotel. Time spent immersing themselves in local culture also allowed the learners to explore sustainable farming practices firsthand.

A particular highlight was spending the day with renowned Chef, Orlando, at his restaurant in the town of Soufriere. Orlando taught the students all about the significance of local produce and how it plays an important part in the town’s culture.

Once back in the UK, the students had the opportunity to showcase their skills at a specially- held celebration evening, where they wowed guests with delicious Caribbean-inspired recipes and a steel pan performance. Leeds City College also welcomed the High Commissioner for Antigua, Karen-Mae Hill, who praised the students for their accomplishments.

Exploring the digital world

Digital & IT P-TECH students jetted off to New Zealand where they did work experience at Manurewa High School, Auckland. Alongside their placement, they visited three major businesses: IBM, Shark and Datacom.

At Datacom, the students enjoyed a presentation from the team about careers in IT and different progression routes.

Not only did the students immerse themselves in the country’s digital world, they also collaborated with the Manurewa students on a podcast project where they created lasting friendships.

One student, Tyler, said: “I have always wanted to experience doing a podcast, so it was a dream come true. I enjoyed recording it with fellow P-TECH students.”

These trips are just a few examples of the many opportunities available for students. However, none of this would have been possible without Turing Scheme funding, which has been instrumental to the students’ personal and professional growth.

The importance of real-world experience

The International Projects and Careers team at Leeds City College have been the driving force behind each placement, working with departments across the college to equip each student with the confidence to embark upon opportunities that will benefit their future careers.

Head of Careers Work Experience and Progression, Gina Yates said, “International placements give students an invaluable insight into different cultures, work and study practices, and settings.

“Students return from placement having developed and acquired new skills and knowledge, including greater self-awareness, resilience and confidence.

For many, the placement experience will raise their aspirations for future career choices and pathways, including their ability to travel, live and work overseas.”