‘One of the best experiences I have ever had’ Hull Training and Adult Education’s learners describe their recent trips to Greece and South Africa as part of the Turing Scheme.
‘One of the best experiences I have ever had in my 66 years’ and ‘it was a lifetime of adventures’.
Those are how just two of Hull Training and Adult Education’s 30 learners described their recent trips to Greece and South Africa as part of the Turing Scheme.
Fifteen ceramics learners travelled to Greece, a country celebrated for its artistry and heritage, to discover ancient pottery methods and contemporary design, whilst sharing their talents and skills with local learners.
At the same time, 15 learners from Early Years and Teaching Assistant programmes headed to South Africa to work in early childhood settings and schools, discovering how education and childcare differ across cultures.
Ceramics learners in Greece
Sampling these cultural experiences provided real-world insights to help enhance careers.
The learners were provided the opportunity thanks to the government-backed Turing Scheme, which committed £104,000 to funding learners’ major expenses— travel, accommodation, visas, and daily living costs — making the trip accessible to everyone, removing financial barriers.
Dave Bird, Vocational Level 2 Creative Crafts learner, said: “My trip to Athens has been one of the best experiences I have ever had in my 66 years.
“I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have been given such an opportunity and it is something I know I will cherish and remember for years to come.
Dave Bird during a ceramics class
“Having recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s and also having a visual impairment meaning I can only see in 2D, I had concerns about whether I’d be able to go, but all of this was taken into account as part of the trip through the Turing Scheme.
“That was a huge relief and meant I could focus on enjoying the experience, rather than worrying about logistics.
“Many moments stayed with me, but one especially did: the peaceful, tranquil space of the Panathenaic Stadium – the birthplace of the Olympic Movement – as the sun was setting behind the ancient wonder of the Acropolis.
“Sitting there, taking it all in, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I was to be experiencing something so special. It even brought a tear to my eye.
“Overall, it has been a wonderful experience – one I never imagined would happen to someone of my age – and one that will continue to have a lasting impact on how I see the world moving forward.”
Izabela Wykpisz in Athens
Izabela Wykpisz, Vocational Level 3 Masterclass learner, added: “The Greece trip was unforgettable. Experiencing pottery, museums and culture firsthand transformed the way I create and deepened my understanding of ceramics in a historical and cultural context.
“I’m especially grateful to the Turing Group, as this experience would not have been possible for me financially without their support, opening up opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.”
Fiona Cook, Early Years Level 2 learner, travelled to South Africa.
She said: “This experience was more than I could’ve imagined. It wasn’t just any old trip, it was a lifetime of adventures.
“The nursery I went to was amazing. I loved every second of it seeing the children’s smiling faces every time I went in there in the morning.
“Saying goodbye was the hard part, I couldn’t stop crying, but honestly, I will always remember this experience and I will be forever grateful because my confidence is so much better and I have realised a lot of things about myself.
Fiona Cook (right) with children in South Africa
“It wasn’t just about the places we went to, it was the people we met on the way such as the guides, the nursery staff and the children that all made it so much more worth it.”
Learners who visited Greece and South Africa enrolled in with Hull Training and Adult Education in September 2025.
They were required to meet eligibility criteria before being granted a place.
Read the full blogs from both Turing trips here.