Turing
Gain international experience, build career and life skills, and improve intercultural awareness.

The Turing Scheme: Global Study & Work Opportunities for Plymouth Learners

The Turing Scheme is a UK government initiative providing funding for international study and work placements. At OCSW, we use this funding to:

Boost Global Skills: Equip you with the hands-on experience needed for the modern, global workforce.
Increase Social Mobility: Ensure international opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
Deliver Life-Changing Impact: Create high-quality projects that foster independence and self-esteem.

On Course South West (OCSW) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded £247k in Turing Scheme funding for the 2026/27 academic year. This funding allows us to provide life-changing international projects for our learners between 1st September 2026 and 31st August 2027.

We are currently planning how the project will look for 2026/27 and will contact everyone that has expressed interest with details once we have them. Please note all opportunities will link to one of our courses and you will be required to attend the course prior to participating in a trip.

Spanish Language, Life and Culture: Personal and Social Development course (Spain)

Funded by the UK Turing Scheme and On Course South West, this fully supported 14-week programme combines personal growth with an incredible 2-week cultural placement in Spain.

UK-Based Prep: Complete a practical Personal & Social Development qualification at OCSW to build self-belief, teamwork and independence before you travel.

Overseas Placement: Put your training into practice during an intensive 2-week trip to Spain, featuring guided cultural tours, team challenges, local language prep and authentic regional experiences.

Post-Trip Wrap-up: Finalise your qualification, evaluate your growth and update your CV with your new international experience.

What’s Included?

100% Fully Funded: Overseas travel, accommodation and daily meals covered.

Official Qualification: Gain a recognised Personal & Social Development qualification.

CV Boost: Stand out with real-world international experience.

Full Support: Safe, guided group environment.

Additional costs: Passport and insurance costs will also be covered

Who Is This For?

Any learner ready to step out of their comfort zone and gain valuable life skills.

No travel experience or prior qualifications needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Participants will be required to attend face to face sessions every week for the qualification and commit to 2 weeks overseas.

Find out more

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness course (France)

Want to make a difference, gain green skills and travel abroad? Funded by the UK Turing Scheme, this fully supported 14-week programme combines environmental learning with an incredible 2-week cultural placement in France in 2027!

UK-Based Learning: Complete a practical Sustainability and Environmental Awareness qualification to build knowledge of eco-friendly practices, conservation, and global challenges before you travel.
Overseas Placement: Put your learning into practice during an intensive 2-week trip to France, exploring local environmental initiatives, eco-projects, regional nature and authentic cultural activities.
Post-Trip Wrap-up: Finalise your qualification, reflect on your experience, and highlight your new green skills on your CV.

What’s Included?

100% Fully Funded: Overseas travel, accommodation, and daily support covered.
Official Qualification: Gain a recognised Sustainability and Environmental Awareness qualification.
CV Boost: Stand out with in-demand green skills and real-world international experience.
Full Support: Safe, guided group environment throughout.

Who Is This For?

Learners aged 19+ ready to step out of their comfort zone and make a positive environmental impact. No travel experience or prior qualifications needed—just enthusiasm, an interest in sustainability, and a willingness to learn.

Participants will be required to attend face to face sessions every week for the qualification and commit to 2 weeks overseas.

Dates to be announced

Am I Eligible for a Turing Trip

For the 2026/27 term, 100% of our funding is dedicated to disadvantaged participants aged 19+.

Please note you can express interest if you have been on a Turing placement before, however applications from participants who have not been on placements previously will be prioritised.

Additionally, 69% of our places are specifically reserved for participants with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

You may be eligible if you meet any of the following criteria:

Annual household income of £35,000 or less.

Receive Universal Credit or income-related benefits for yourself or a dependant.

Care-experienced or a care leaver at any stage of your life.

Unpaid Carer for a family member or friend with an illness or disability.Entitled to free school meals or are a Refugee/Asylum Seeker.

Note: This list is not exhaustive.

If you face similar barriers but don't strictly fit these definitions, please contact us to discuss your circumstances.

The Benefits of International Learning

A Turing placement is more than just a trip; it is a "skills accelerator" that helps you:

Improve Employability: Apply your classroom learning in a real-world, international setting.
Grow Personally: Build self-confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.
Cultural Exchange: Understand your subject area within a different cultural context.
Fully Funded Excellence: OCSW supplements the Turing funding to make the entire placement free for participants, covering transport, accommodation, food, and even passports or travel insurance.

How to Apply: Your 4-Step Journey

Spaces are limited and fill quickly. We encourage you to express your interest even if specific dates for your chosen course are not yet listed.

Application: Complete our Expression of Interest Form.
Interview: We review all applications to ensure eligibility. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview with the OCSW team.
Induction: Attend mandatory sessions to prepare you for the specific requirements of your course and trip.
Enrolment: Once these steps are complete, you will be officially invited to enrol on your programme.