A group of A Level Built Environment learners from The College Merthyr Tydfil recently returned from a transformative 16-day visit to Dubai, funded by the UK Government’s Turing Scheme.
Organised through a ColegauCymru international consortium project, the visit gave learners hands-on insight into the global construction industry, exposure to new cultures, and a unique opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and aspirations for future careers.
Immersed in a new culture, the learners visited major construction firms and gained life skills and responsibility through independent living. Cultural excursions, including visits to Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque, desert adventures and dune bashing, kayaking and a visit to Ferrari World, complemented their professional learning.
Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Built Environment at The College Merthyr Tydfil, Jonathan Davies, said,
“If any college or any institution aspires to fostering global citizenship on any level, this is the best way to do it. You can sit in the confines of a building and watch videos, but to immerse yourself in the culture of another nation and embrace it, is completely different. It brings a level of awareness that you just can’t teach.”
ColegauCymru International Project Manager, Siân Holleran, added,
“It’s fantastic to see learners gaining valuable experiences from our funded overseas mobilities. Visits such as the one to Dubai, helps to broaden horizons, expand key skills and brings benefits - not only to the learners taking part, but also to communities and organisations here in Wales.”
The College Merthyr Tydfil promoting flexible career paths
The A Level Built Environment course at The College Merthyr Tydfil is gaining traction with both male and female learners. Female learners, Nika and Darcy, enrolled on the course following a presentation at their secondary school by college staff; they highlighted that the course is designed to provide learners with flexible career pathways that suit their individual aspirations and could lead to well-paid careers in architecture, surveying and project management. One learner, Tristan, is currently applying for a university place to study architecture whilst another learner, Sam, hopes to start a quantity surveying apprenticeship.
What the learners said
Tristan described Dubai as "one of the best places in the world" and "a city from the future” with Sam echoing the sentiment, stating, "Nothing compares to Dubai." Another learner, Nika, added that the visit had “significantly boosted her confidence and provided freedom”.
Future aspirations
This inspiring visit to Dubai has not only broadened learners’ perspectives on global construction careers but also sparked a renewed sense of ambition and confidence in their future pathways. Opportunities like this - made possible through funded mobility programmes - have a lasting impact, helping to shape motivated, globally minded professionals ready to thrive in Wales and beyond.
Further Information
Find out more about the UK Government’s Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is the UK government's global programme for studying and working abroad. Launched in 2021 as a replacement for Erasmus+, it provides funding for students, learners, and pupils in UK institutions to take part in international education and training opportunities.
Taith - Welsh Government International Learning Exchange Programme
Creating life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.
Siân Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
