Turing Scheme construction Program
Fully-funded programmes abroad in 2023
Welcome to Kaya’s construction Abroad program – as part of the UK government’s Turing Scheme.
This project is established for the purpose of offering training for Vocational and Further Education students in the fields of construction and engineering. The programme will offer a 14-16 day training schedule within a choice of these three projects focusing on different aspects of construction. Training will be delivered by professionals within these fields and utilise existing training programs that have been developed specifically for the purposes of training individuals interested in these areas.
Participants on this project will have the opportunity to further their classroom-based learning by living within a unique new environment as they learn about different construction techniques, and engage in sustainable building practices.
Activities will include:
- Attending training programs teaching students about theory and techniques used in these different locations, taught by local professionals.
- Working with local NGOs on social building projects, learning about the challenges of traditional construction in rural communities.
- Engaging with local staff at each site to learn more about the local approach to construction development and management issues, but also how cultural factors affect the way that they work
- Working alongside other students to collaborate on projects and, in doing so, providing the experience of participation in teamwork within this career.
Programs will be offered in 3 countries. These are as follows:
20 spaces will be available for each of these trips, with dates of February 18th – March 4th and 21st July – 5th August 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)
1. Sustainable construction – Zambia
This construction training program will take place over a 16-day period.
This program introduces students to basic construction, welding and carpentry techniques, as well as waste management, within the framework of a developing country.
We will also cover environmental issues affecting the living conditions of people in Zambia and involve the students in upcycling/recycling workshops.
The students will be involved in the following activities:
- Introduction to building techniques – students will learn how to make cement and Eco Bricks, how to plaster and how to construct simple walls.
- Welding workshops – students will be introduced to welding and glass cutting techniques.
- Carpentry workshops – students will learn about the different types of carpentry work, and help create building materials.
- Building work-students will create new, useful structures out of Eco Bricks
- In the evenings there will be time to explore more of Zambian culture, star gaze, learn some of the local language and reflect upon the day’s activities.
35 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of April 1st – April 16th and July 15th – July 30th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)
2. Construction and building management – Ecuador
This 2-week construction training program will take place in the Manabi Province of Ecuador, based with an Ecuadorian NGO that works, in collaboration with local municipalities, on sustainable and equitable housing for low-income communities.
The program will host a group of 15 students to learn about how this Ecuadorian organisation uses sustainable building technologies to build homes and provide improved water and sanitation in communities with identified housing problems.
As part of this training program, students will learn about the technologies and methodologies that are used in sustainable habitat development, and participate in the construction of some of these buildings to apply the knowledge they have learned. As part of the program, students will not only learn practical skills, but also understand the challenges faced by local governments tackling the housing crisis in low-resource areas, and engage in discourse about resilient construction, sustainable building and emerging technologies.
Students will be housed in hostels close to the project site and in the evenings and weekends learn about local culture with cooking classes, participation in community sports activities and visits to local beaches and national parks to learn more about the local environment.
20 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of April 1st – April 16th 2023
(departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)
3. Constructing eco-friendly kitchens – Peru
This 2-week construction training program will take place in the Sacred Valley of the Andes, outside of Cusco, Peru.
Working on a project that is a collaboration between the local government and a local NGO, this program will teach students about the social building projects being supported in rural mountain communities, to address certain challenges presented by traditional housing construction.
The focus of this initiative will be learning about clean-burning stoves – a technique developed by local design engineers to transition families away from cooking on open fires through the installation of ceramic and clay stoves and chimneys. Students will learn the science and engineering behind this solution and be taught the technique of installing stoves and water systems in community homes.
Students will be housed in groups of 2-4 with local host families where they will have the opportunity to immerse in Peruvian culture. Host families have all already undergone all required checks and have previously hosted international students successfully.
In the evenings and weekends, students will visit local Incan ruins to learn about the building techniques of the ancient Incan civilizations, and participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, salsa dancing classes and Spanish language learning.
At each location, students will be staying in group accommodation and participating in hands-on training within each working area. The aim of this programme is to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and practical skills, while learning about different cultures and environments to expand horizons and develop educated, compassionate global citizens.
All flights will depart from and return to Manchester airport, and students will need to make their own arrangements for travel to and from home to the airport.
Covid Considerations
COVID vaccination and testing requirements will be dependent on each country. Face masks and social distancing could still be in place, dependent on local rules and laws. We will advise closer to departure.
Application criteria
The Turing scheme aims to offer this opportunity to a broad range of students and, while we are looking for students studying related subjects, application evaluation is not based on your grades! We are looking for enthusiastic pupils aged 16+ who have an interest in construction and related areas. The scheme is fully funded by the UK government, so there will be no cost incurred other than a £200 confirmation fee for successful applicants.
Application process
- The application form below will be the only requirement for consideration for this program.
- If you are successful with your application, we strongly advise you look into visa requirements straight away.
- A board of administrators will evaluate all applications to select successful applicants on a rolling basis, so we encourage early application.
- Once successful candidates have been notified, a £200 confirmation fee will be required to confirm the placement (hardship grants will be offered to cover this cost where necessary)
- As part of this program, students will be expected to complete some pre-departure assignments, including online attendance at a pre-departure workshop.
- Flights from Manchester Airport will be provided as part of the program, and students will be required to make their own way to the airport on departure, and home from the airport on our return.
Application deadline
Saturday, December 31st, 2022