Sixteen students from South Devon College geared up for careers in engineering and related industries during a study and workplace experience in Brittany funded by the Turing Scheme.
The group, who were all undertaking automotive, marine and engineering programmes, boosted their knowledge and workplace skills while also immersing themselves in the French culture, sampling the food, learning the language and forming new friendships over the 16-day trip.
As well as attending two partner colleges, the students’ itinerary included industry visits designed to complement their courses in Devon and tailored around their areas of specialism.
Jake Dakin, who was studying Level 3 light vehicle maintenance and repair at the Paignton-based college, was eager to take part in his first trip abroad and returned home with his confidence boosted.
“I think the trip helped me a lot in my course as I got to experience how French students do the same things we do in my current course,” he said. “I think my French skills have greatly improved, along with my social skills.
“It’s also been my dream to visit Europe since I was young so visiting France was a dream come true.”
Jake is now hoping to start work at a BMW dealership in nearby Exeter and harbours long-term ambitions to work directly for the world-famous German car maker in the future.
As a learner with Autism, he reflected that it could sometimes be challenging when meeting new people. On the trip, however, he made new friends within the group as well as enjoying daily interactions with his French counterparts and locals and feels his confidence has increased.
One of the highlights of the placement for Jake was an HGV driving experience, but he also enjoyed taking part in light vehicle maintenance workshops at Saint Gabriel Institute, in Pont-l’Abbé, where he noted that the learning style was more student lead than in the United Kingdom, allowing peers to learn from each other.
Paul Singer, Qualification Development Coordinator at South Devon College Marine Academy, was one of four accompanying staff for the trip.
“Study placements like this are a great opportunity for students to engage in new educational, cultural or recreational opportunities,” he said.
Building confidence, soft skills and opening up career prospects
“I saw a great transformation in Jake as he overcame initial nerves and really grew in confidence as well as discovering a new interest in HGV mechanics and maintenance.
“The Turing Scheme enables South Devon College to offer truly life-changing experiences to learners, building confidence, soft skills, micro credentials and opening up career prospects in areas not previously considered.
“It was an amazing opportunity for Jake to build his employability and life skills whilst living in a different culture.”
For those studying marine disciplines in South Devon there was also time spent at INB (Institut Nautique Bretagne) college in Concarneau, which specialises in maritime training, as well as a visit to Jeanneau’s boatbuilding headquarters in Les Herbiers, and Marine West, a yacht brokerage and marina in Port-la-Forêt, one of the largest ports in Brittany.
In their downtime the students went go karting and had a surfing lesson, as well as meals out and trips to local towns including Quimper, with its Breton Celtic architecture, and the fishing port of Le Guilvinec.
Level 3 engineering student Joe Parsons found that the trip gave him real inspiration for his future career.
“As soon as I heard I could apply to go on the Brittany trip, I jumped at the opportunity and I was thrilled to be accepted,” he said. “I really enjoyed spending time with my fellow students and sharing the experience with them. I got to know everyone a lot better.
“Before I went, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my future, but after going on the industry visits to the yacht brokers and manufacturers, especially Jeanneau, I’m now certain I want to follow a career in this area.
“I really would recommend a trip like this to all students. I learned a lot from it and the experience and support was invaluable.”
