As part of the UK Government’s commitment to levelling-up opportunities across the UK, more disadvantaged students in the Scottish Borders will now be able to take part in the Turing Scheme.
This scheme gives students at school, college or university who are living in the Scottish Borders and across the UK the opportunity to study and work abroad.
Last year, Borders College received funding for two hospitality students to undertake a two-week placement with Centennial College in Canada.
More than 3,000 students from schools, colleges, and universities across Scotland will benefit from this scheme, allowing them to experience a potentially life changing opportunity to study and work abroad.
Across the UK, 38,000 students will benefit from the scheme, and 52% of those will be from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This scheme replaced the UK’s participation in Erasmus+, with students now able to undertake study, school exchanges and work placements in over 150 international destinations including the USA, Japan, Canada, Thailand, and South Africa.
Mr Lamont has welcomed this announcement and has stated that this will improve social mobility for students across the Scottish Borders.
John Lamont is also encouraging schools and students in the Scottish Borders to sign up for the Turing Scheme newsletter to ensure they are the first to find out about deadlines and application guidance for the Turing Scheme.
John Lamont MP said:
“The Turing Scheme will support more disadvantaged students in the Scottish Borders and across Scotland in the coming year. It is clear that the UK Government is committed to driving up social mobility in the Scottish Borders, and I am sure that those who are successful in obtaining a place will have a fantastic experience on the scheme.
“After reading of previous students’ experiences, it is clear that the opportunity to work and study abroad in over 150 destinations across the globe is proving to be life changing. That’s why I am extremely pleased that the UK Government has committed to funding the scheme for another three years.
“I was delighted to see Borders College receive funding last year from the Turing Scheme. While the Turing Scheme is in place to widen academic and work-related skills, it will also open the door for students in the Scottish Borders to meet people from across the globe.”
Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart said:
“I am delighted that following a successful launch year, the Turing Scheme will now be giving more disadvantaged students than ever before the opportunity to embark on their own journeys across the world.
“This government wants to open these opportunities up to so many more students in regions that lost out under Erasmus+ so that students of all ages can embrace different cultures, make new friends and acquire new knowledge. I hope that next year’s placements will be just as inspiring.”
