Students from disadvantaged areas across the region will have the opportunity to experience a trip of a lifetime to enhance their life skills while studying at Wigan & Leigh College in 2023/24.
International trips to Portugal, Italy, Spain and as far as Jamaica have been planned for the next academic year which will provide some socially deprived students the chance to experience a different culture, gain relevant knowledge and skills for their career pathway and improve their general life skills.
A successful application by the college was made to the Turing Scheme which has made this possible. The scheme is a UK government programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education.
The overall aim of providing students from disadvantaged backgrounds (including learning needs, disability or social deprivation) with enhanced life opportunities.
The exciting prospect of an international trip to Jamaica will provide sports students the chance to work with the national body for Jamaica Rugby League (Jamaica RFL). Working with professional coaches and learning training methods, students will put their theory into practise by helping to develop the sport in an emerging nation.
College Principal, Anna Dawe said:
“These trips will help to inspire our young people to develop multi-skills and provide a platform to introduce them to the opportunities available to them, while allowing them to develop new skills, boost their employability and gain a unique life enhancing opportunity.”
Catering and Hospitality students will gain experience working in hotels, restaurants and bakeries in Braga, Portugal. Business students will develop their understanding of marketing in Barcelona, Spain with an exciting live project brief.
Construction students will visit the Ardèche region of France to undertake a study mobility with activities focusing on overcoming personal barriers, developing relationships and team work. Travel and Tourism students will head to Italy working in a range of hospitality settings in a ski resort.