Burton students build skills abroad through Turing Scheme

Students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) have been gaining valuable international experience through work placement trips funded by the Government’s Turing Scheme.

A total of 99 learners took part in placements across a range of course areas, including hair and beauty, catering and hospitality, motor vehicle, and public services.

Destinations included South Korea, Italy, Albania and Poland, offering students a unique opportunity to develop their skills in global settings.

The Turing Scheme is designed to support students in studying or working abroad, helping them build confidence, independence and a broader perspective on their future careers.

As part of the programme, learners combined hands-on work placements with cultural activities, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world environments while developing a global mindset.

A group of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students completed their placement in Italy, where they worked on a marketing project to design an advertising campaign for an employer in Salerno.

They then presented their campaign to the employer and received constructive feedback, further preparing them to work collaboratively in a professional environment.

Placements were carefully tailored to each student’s course and career interests, offering opportunities across a range of professional settings, including care homes, nurseries, tourist information centres and accounting firms.

Beyond their placements, students explored their host cities and immersed themselves in local culture.

In South Korea, learners took part in a temple stay experience, where they enjoyed traditional food and wore Korean clothing. They were also paired with international buddies, helping them adapt to new environments while developing basic Korean language skills.

Students visiting South Korea completed a 17-day placement at Kyungwoon University, participating in a wide range of activities, including cabin crew training, traditional dessert making, Korean sports and drone building.

Speaking about his experience, Travel and Tourism student, Daniel said: “The Turing Scheme visit to South Korea was incredible — truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“As someone aiming for a career in aviation, gaining hands-on experience across the university’s aviation departments was invaluable.

“What made the trip so special was the balance between learning and exploring, from visiting Dorisa Temple and Gyeongju to spending time in Seoul. I returned to the UK with new skills for the industry and a deep appreciation of a culture very different from my own.”

Loren Mortlock, International Administrator at BSDC, said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to see how our learners have developed from their initial interviews to successfully completing their placements abroad.

“While in Poland, I witnessed their confidence grow as they communicated with locals in Polish and fully immersed themselves in cultural traditions. The Turing Scheme not only broadens learners’ global outlook but also opens doors to future opportunities, with some even considering scholarships in their host countries.”