Fifty students from Warrington & Vale Royal College have returned from an unforgettable two-week placement programme in Sri Lanka, gaining valuable international work experience, developing new skills, and immersing themselves in a completely different culture through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme.
The Turing Scheme provides students with opportunities to study, work, and live abroad, supporting personal growth, cultural understanding, and career development. Thanks to funding secured through the scheme, fifty Warrington & Vale Royal College students travelled to Sri Lanka to take part in a series of specialisms. These were Health & Social Care, Digital, Sport, Childcare, and Construction.
Throughout the trip, students worked alongside local organisations and educational partners, applying their learning in real-world settings while developing confidence, resilience, and employability skills.
Health students gained an insight into healthcare provision through visits to Galle National Hospital, where they assisted doctors on call and even went into theatre to watch real medical professionals in action. Meanwhile, sport students delivered activities at local education providers, teaching the local children about teamwork and resilience through physical education. Childcare and digital students collaborated on local initiatives and projects with local schools, while construction students undertook the complete reconstruction of the local community’s dance hall floor at Tissa Central College.
Away from their placements, students embraced every opportunity to experience Sri Lankan life and culture. They took part in traditional mask-making workshops, sampled local cuisine, and learned more about the country’s customs and heritage. The group also participated in a number of environmental and community projects, including a visit to the Galbokka Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Centre and a beach clean-up initiative aimed at supporting local conservation efforts.
For many students, the trip was their first experience of travelling so far from home and provided a unique opportunity to develop independence, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Principal and CEO of Warrington & Vale Royal College, Nichola Newton, said: “Experiences like this are truly transformational for our students. The opportunity to live and work in another country helps young people develop confidence, cultural awareness, and independence in ways that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom.”
“Through the Turing Scheme, our students have been able to gain valuable industry experience, contribute to local communities, and create memories that will stay with them for life. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the college, embracing every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism.”
Alicia Baxter, Level 3 Sport & Physical Activity student, said: “Sri Lanka has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned so much about a different culture, gained practical skills linked to my course, and made friendships that I’ll never forget. The trip pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more confident and independent. It’s given me experiences that will help me in my future career and memories that will stay with me forever.”
This trip forms part of Warrington & Vale Royal College’s commitment to providing life-changing opportunities that enhance learning, broaden horizons, and prepare students for successful futures in an increasingly global workplace.
