Newcastle College welcomed Alex Burghart, the Apprenticeships and Skills Minister on Friday 1 July to meet students who have benefitted from the Turing Scheme, as it received the news it could continue to deliver it in the next academic year.
Providing international opportunities to work and study around the world, the Turing Scheme gives students the chance to interact with new cultures, learn different languages, and form lifelong connections with people across the globe as part of their college programme. As well as the cultural benefits, students can participate in a variety of activities whilst abroad, including scuba diving, water sports, and teaching English, as well as learning the local language, and coaching children in sports such as football.
This year, 60 Newcastle College students studying a range of subjects including sport, travel and tourism, uniformed public services, and healthcare have participated in the Turing Scheme, visiting places such as Malta and Northern Italy.
Minister Burghart was given a tour of the campus by Newcastle College principal Scott Bullock, and throughout the day met with students who took part in the scheme this year.
Scott Bullock said: “It was fantastic to welcome Minister Alex Burghart to Newcastle College and for him to hear first-hand how our students have directly benefitted from the Turing Scheme. 60 students undertook placements in Malta and Northern Italy this year - a brilliant opportunity for cultural exchange as well as helping them to gain independence, develop their confidence and practical skills. This scheme has a real positive impact on our students, and I’m thrilled that we'll be able to continue to deliver it next year."
Minister for Skills Alex Burghart said: “I am delighted that following a successful launch year, the Turing Scheme will now be giving more disadvantaged students than ever before the opportunity to embark on their own journeys across the world.
“It was fantastic to hear directly from students at Newcastle College about how their placements in Malta and Italy not only helped them with their studies, but also allowed them to travel outside the UK and gain a taste of independence.
“This Government wants to open these opportunities up to so many more students in regions that lost out under Erasmus+ so that students of all ages can embrace different cultures, make new friends and acquire new knowledge. I hope that next year’s placements will be just as inspiring.”