90 sixth form students from Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick returned to the West Midlands after completing international work placements earlier this year. Between late January and early February, they spent time in Dubai, Seville and Vienna, gaining valuable skills and a clearer sense of direction for their futures.
The placements were made possible through £147,250 of funding secured from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, a competitive programme which supports overseas study and work opportunities. The funding covered travel, accommodation and placement support, ensuring all selected students were able to take part and helping to remove financial barriers.
Students were matched with placements aligned to their intended career paths. In Dubai, they gained experience in business, travel and tourism and IT, working within one of the world’s fastest growing commercial centres. In Seville, placements focused on sport, performing arts and business, while students in Vienna were based in science and medical settings.
Host organisations included Hilton Garden Inn Sevilla, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, Kinder Castle Nursery in Dubai and Vienna English Preschool, offering students a range of real-world workplace environments.
Year 13 student Mihaly said the experience had a lasting impact: “This residential has given me various opportunities which I would have never received at any other school. The life skills, work experience and social skills I gained during this trip are something I will be forever grateful for.
“All the new people I met will remain in my memory, and this trip will be remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It has helped me in so many ways and set me up perfectly for life going into university next year.”
Year 12 student Ishit said: “Spending two weeks interning at Sheraton The Walk in Dubai gave me an exciting inside look at both the fast-paced guest-facing side of hospitality and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a luxury hotel running. Moving between departments showed me how teamwork, communication, and quick thinking come together to create a seamless guest experience.
“I also loved exploring Dubai’s attractions, from relaxing on its beautiful beaches to visiting the top of Burj Khalifa. The skills and confidence I gained will stay with me and support me in my future endeavours.”
Beyond the workplace, students explored the cultural heritage of their host cities. In Dubai, groups visited the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame and experienced a desert safari. In Seville, they enjoyed a walking tour of the city, visited the Sevilla Aquarium, and tried flamenco dancing, while students in Vienna visited the zoo, the Natural History Museum, and the Prater amusement park.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, commented: “International experience should not be limited to those who can afford it. The Turing funding has allowed our students to compete on a global stage and return with greater confidence and ambition, alongside experiencing some unforgettable cultural experiences.”
The programme builds on last year’s success, when the Academy secured £83,742 to support 30 year 13 students on a 10-day placement in Dubai, focusing on travel and tourism, business and design and technology. This year’s expansion to three destinations significantly increased both the scale and range of opportunities for students.
Applications for year 12 entry in September 2026 are now open via Applicaa, the Academy’s online admissions system. Further details about Shireland Sixth Form and how to apply are available on the Academy website.
