DSC Regen

A group of 10 vocational learners are broadening and developing their work and employability skills in Spain and France thanks to Turing Scheme funding and training provider DSC Regen.

The participants are undertaking work placements in the community development and ecology sectors, with individual work programmes designed to assist in acquiring their level 3 award in European Community Development.

They will be working in a wide range of companies from community-minded architectural firms in Marseille, to ecological research institutes in Seville, along with getting the chance to explore the cities and local culture.

New opportunities for learners

Siobhan Odevwedje is one of the participants on a placement in Marseille. She said: “The Turing Scheme is an excellent initiative that allows for the provision of international placements for participants.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people from varying backgrounds to be provided access to further training in their fields.

“I have been placed in an architectural firm in Marseille, where I have found the experience thus far to be an utterly indispensable one.

“It has helped me to expand my horizons both socially and professionally by virtue of my working in an international setting and being exposed to another language, whilst also gaining further experience in my field.

“I would highly recommend the Turing Scheme to anyone that is eager to push their personal and professional development that bit further.”

DSC Regen is an independent training provider offering training in a range of socially and environmentally focused fields, as well as fundraising and social enterprise business support for community organisations.

Participant support

Fraser Milligan, project coordinator, said: “We support and monitor the progress of our participants via formal monthly monitoring, complemented by regular weekly contact and feedback sessions. Our priority is that every participant is happy and utilising the experience to its full potential.

“We also work closely with each host employer to make sure that each role reflects the specific learning needs and career development aims of individual participants and thus provides lasting benefits in terms of enhanced skills and improved career prospects.

“WhatsApp groups of participants have been set up so that students can communicate and socialise with each other during their time on placement, making the Turing Scheme programme not only an educationally rich experience, but also a culturally and socially diverse experience.”

Read about other inspiring Turing Scheme stories on our dedicated Turing Scheme stories page.