THREE local travel and tourism students are heading off to the Italian island of Sicily at the end of the month, for a two week work placement.
Aimee Patton (18), from Newtownards, Sarah-Jane Rodgers (17), from Donaghadee, BTEC Level 3 students at the Bangor campus of the South Eastern Regional College (SERC), and 17 year-old Annie Shields from Portaferry, who is undertaking the BTEC course at the Downpatrick campus, are among a group of nine who will be based in the Sicilian capital, Palermo, from March 30 to April 13.
The students will be accompanied by Travel and Tourism lecturer, Lisa McKelvey and principal lecturer, Catherine Anderson. The trip is the first time SERC students have travelled to Sicily as part of the Turing scheme.
Catherine Anderson explained: “The students will undertake work placements in tourism related organisations, including hotels and travel agents in the capital, Palermo. It is set to be an amazing experience, where they will immerse themselves in the unique culture of this major island tourism destination.”
The Turing Scheme provides funding for students to undertake study or work placement across the world, contributing to the UK Government’s commitment to a Global Britain, by helping organisations such as SERC to enhance existing international links and forge new relationships. The delivery partner for the Turing Scheme is the Department for Education (UK).
