24th April 2024
South Devon College students took a trip across the English Channel to Brittany in France, thanks to the Turing Scheme, on a study/work experience and enrichment visit to partner colleges and business facilities to further their workplace skills and build bonds with their peers and new colleagues.
The 16 students, who are studying automotive, marine and engineering programmes, and four staff stayed in a gite in the grounds of a manor house in Loctudy. The learners, including a mature student, immersed themselves in the French culture, sampling the food, learning the language and forming friendships, over the 16-day trip.
In preparation for the visit, the students had a couple of French language lessons before they left, and they showed their determination and enthusiasm for the project by working on their language skills in their own time, to ensure they were able to communicate on some level with their hosts.
The scheduled visits were tailored around the students’ areas of specialism, so the focus was on marine and automotive, including attending two partner colleges.
Saint Gabriel Institute, in Pont-l’Abbé, which focuses on automotive and HGV training, has been in partnership with South Devon College for over eight years. The students were able to drive articulated HGVs and collaborated with the French students in the workshops. It was noted that the French students were given a lot of responsibility when it came to health and safety, and how willing they were to share their knowledge with their visitors from England.
Jake Dakin, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, gained a lot from the trip, both in terms of experiences and work skills. He said: “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. I think my French skills have greatly improved, along with my social skills.
“In the future I am planning to go into the automotive trade; my dream job is with BMW in Munich.
“Next year I am attending University Centre South Devon where I will be taking a course in business and management. I hope to use it to become a manager at a dealership.”
They also spent time at INB (Institut Nautique Bretagne) college in Concarneau, which specialises in marine and maritime training. This was the first time the two colleges had partnered, and the group was warmly welcomed.
There was a visit to Jeanneau’s boatbuilding HQ in Les Herbiers, where they were given a tour of the large yacht manufacturing facility, including the spray painting area. They were given a personal and inspirational insight into the career path of their guide, who started his career at a similar age to the group at marine college, and progressed to his current role as Head of Sales.
Joe Parsons, who is studying Level 3 Engineering at South Devon College, 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. 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.”
Joe Parsons (left) was inspired by the industry visits
The group was taken to Marine West, a yacht brokerage and marina in Port-la-Forêt, one of the largest ports in Brittany, where they had a guided tour of the marina, and were shown two large boat lifts in action, lifting vessels into the water.
There was also opportunity for some downtime and relaxation – the group went go karting and had a surfing lesson, as well as meals out and trips to local towns. They visited Quimper, with its Breton Celtic architecture, and the fishing port of Le Guilvinec where they saw fishing trawlers going to sea and returning with an enormous catch which retired fishermen helped to unload and bring into the auction houses.
Another point of interest for the students was the range of food options available, especially the chocolate, crepes and ice creams! The popularity of cafe culture was also noted, with the vast number of coffee shops in every location, where coffee appeared to be cheaper than the UK and the staff were friendly and polite.
Student Solomon Guy said: “They were super welcoming and it was a very encouraging setting to be in. Conversations between us and their students was encouraged and we talked about the same things that we do here.
“In fact, everyone we encountered was very welcoming and I would recommend anyone to go if you get the opportunity, as it was really special.”
Solomon Guy in the driving seat during automotive lessons in Brittany
Isabelle Jamet, owner of the accommodation the group used, said: “We were delighted to receive your school again and please consider that the doors of our Domaine de Kerpaul will always be open to you.
“Your youngsters are very respectful. Hoping to see you again!”
The visit was made possible through the Turing Scheme programme, the Government-funded project offering global travel and enrichment opportunities to students to boost their life skills and relevant career options, during work or study placements.
Jake concluded: “It’s also been my dream to visit Europe since I was young so visiting France was a dream come true.”
The students who visited Brittany with their Certificates of Achievement
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