For twenty electrical apprentices, an international placement in Columbia, South Carolina became far more than an overseas trip. It was an intense, emotional and deeply rewarding experience that challenged them professionally, strengthened their confidence and showed them just how powerful their skills can be when used to support others.
Funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, the placement gave apprentices the opportunity to work side‑by‑side with their peers and tutors in a completely new environment, building independence, confidence and resilience along the way. From the moment they arrived, the group bonded quickly, adapting to unfamiliar surroundings and focusing on the work ahead.
Their first project took them to Transitions, a homeless shelter in Columbia that provides vital support for people experiencing homelessness. The apprentices installed more than 100 new socket outlets in men’s and women’s dormitories, fitted floodlighting to improve safety outside the building, installed internal panel lighting and transformed a cluttered donation storage area into a clean, welcoming and accessible space.
But for the apprentices, the experience was about much more than technical installations.
Reflecting on the placement, Will Gibbs, Construction Skills Project Lead, described how the experience helped apprentices grow in confidence and resilience:
“For many of the apprentices, this was their first time working so far from home and in such a challenging environment. It pushed them out of their comfort zones very quickly. What was incredible to see was how they stepped up - supporting each other, taking pride in their work and showing real maturity and leadership throughout the project.”
Working in temperatures of around 30 degrees, the apprentices showed determination and professionalism every day. They adapted to new working practices, solved problems together and delivered work to a standard that exceeded expectations. Staff at Transitions were so impressed that they estimated the project saved the organisation more than $30,000 - funding that can now be redirected to directly supporting people experiencing homelessness.
The group then moved on to work with Habitat for Humanity, where the apprentices once again demonstrated their versatility and commitment. Alongside electrical tasks, they painted homes, fitted kitchens, supported gardening projects and carried out general refurbishments - often working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with local volunteers and residents.
These moments of connection had a lasting impact. Apprentices spoke about how rewarding it was to see the immediate difference their work made and to understand the wider social value of their trade.
Salma Mohamed, Net Zero Skills Hub Delivery Manager, reflected on the experience with pride:
“To bring 20 young people to another country and watch them give so much of themselves — their skills, their time and their energy — is truly remarkable. This experience helped them recognise their own value, not just as apprentices, but as people who can genuinely change lives.”
The placement was made possible through the Turing Scheme, which removes financial barriers by covering travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. This ensured apprentices could fully immerse themselves in the experience, gaining confidence, cultural awareness and career‑defining memories that will stay with them long after the trip ended.
As Salma summed up:
“Looking back at those 11 days, I couldn’t be more proud of what our electrical apprentices achieved — not just in the work they completed, but in the way they supported one another and represented themselves and their college.”
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