Since September 2021, the UK-government funded Turing Scheme has supported students at Aylesbury UTC with life-changing experiences to work and study abroad. This has proven to be an incredibly valuable opportunity for our students. At Aylesbury UTC, we help students to be able and qualified for interesting careers in their chosen paths, so the Turing Scheme is invaluable preparation for the world of work after school, especially if they’re interested in overseas careers.
Each year, select educational institutions are accepted to the Turing Scheme, and Aylesbury UTC is the only UTC to be part of it. As a fully paid scheme, students can make the most of their experience without worrying about the administrative costs of working or travelling abroad.
Shortly after this year’s Easter break, Aylesbury UTC’s Sixth Form students, as well as a select few Year 11 students, completed three successful weeks in Portugal and Greece. They accomplished work experience with various companies and experienced exciting new cultures – students and staff enjoyed exploring the beautiful sights of Crete and Lisbon, and took language lessons to enable them to work and interact alongside locals.
Placements the students undertook during this year’s visits included coding, car maintenance, working with local children, and elderly care. However, not only did students demonstrate skills relating to their course but also learned a number of new skills such as teamwork, communication, independence, and adaptability.
For our Sixth Form students, these three weeks have significantly impacted their mandatory work experience hours, as the T Level course requires them to complete 315 hours in total. Equivalent to A Levels, the T Level is a practical qualification which provides an entry point into the workplace, so students’ placements facilitated by the Turing Scheme hone the necessary skills and criteria employers are looking for.
Head Student Rhydian French had an internship at BP Game Faro and writes: "My time abroad in Portugal provided me with more independent experiences, such as self-sufficiency and navigation, as well as valuable experience of digital professions. In Portugal especially, we had to ensure that we kept ourselves organised to get to our placements on time and maintain our living spaces. We travelled to several regional cultural sites and towns, and had enough free time to balance downtime and study. Personally, I enjoyed taking advantage of the bakery at Auchen, learning my way around and exploring Faro, and improving on my art skills in all sorts of places!"
Principal Joe Dunckley also shares: "Our students demonstrated outstanding determination and professionalism on their work experience abroad. The Turing Scheme continues to be an incredible success, giving young people the opportunity to grow, challenge themselves and see the world differently."
We’re proud of how professionally our students represented Aylesbury UTC throughout the Turing Scheme. Students will have the opportunity to take part in the programme again this summer with a trip to Valencia, Spain.
Social media graphics of Portugal trip designed by Year 11 students. (Click to view full images.)
