A group of 20 Travel and Tourism students from Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College have recently returned from a two week residential work experience programme in Seville, Spain, funded through the Turing Scheme.
Students from both the Worcester and Redditch campuses were selected to participate in the programme, representing a mix of first and second year learners across the Travel and Tourism courses. During their time in Seville, students undertook a variety of hands-on work placements, gaining valuable insight into working life in a European city.
Placements included roles such as serving customers in the city’s cafes, supporting local businesses with rental inventories, and assisting with guided bike tours across Seville. These experiences allowed students to develop practical skills, improve the local language, build confidence, and adapt to different working cultures.
Alongside their work placements, students also took part in organised cultural activities, including a guided tour of Seville and a visit to the iconic Las Setas. These experiences helped students to gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and the city’s history, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Kirsty Hopkinson, Director of Curriculum at HoW College, said: “This international work experience has been an invaluable opportunity for our students. Not only have they developed industry-specific skills, but they have also grown personally by being immersed in a different culture and working environment. Programmes like this play an important role in preparing students for successful careers in the global travel and tourism sector.”
Josh Dudley, Travel and Tourism student, added: “My placement gave me an insight into city tourism, as I spent my days cycling across Seville on guided bike tours. From gaining insight of the best tapas spots from local tour guides or navigating the city to our work placements, I think we all came away with not only professional skills but also confidence. Looking back, those two weeks will be an experience I’ll be able to look back on for years as the moment my career in the travel and tourism industry really started. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to learn what you love is to get out there and experience it on a global scale.”
The trip was funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, which provides students with opportunities to develop skills, gain international experience, and improve their employability. The scheme also supports students in developing language skills and a deeper understanding of other cultures.
