Engineering Students Shine in Salerno

Twelve of our Engineering students have just returned from an unforgettable three-week work placement in Salerno, Italy, and what an experience it’s been.This was our fourth international trip through the Turing Scheme this year, following successful placements in Seville, Crete and Berlin. For this group, the Amalfi Coast became more than just a beautiful location. It became a classroom, a workplace, and a chance to grow.

It’s incredible to think that less than a day after waving goodbye outside the College gates, our students were standing on a beach in southern Italy. That shift in scenery marked the start of something special. The work placement wasn’t just a change of location, it was a shift in mindset. These students had to adapt, take initiative and apply their engineering knowledge in unfamiliar environments.

Throughout the trip, they spent their weekdays gaining practical experience in engineering workplaces across Salerno. From hands-on technical tasks to shadowing professionals and learning new processes, they stepped up to the challenge. They didn’t just represent the College, they raised the bar.

Will Crannage (L3 Advanced Mechanical Engineering Student) said: “Overall, I have wholely enjoyed the full experience and this has made me a better person with increased confidence to begin my career and adulthood."

There was more to this trip than just the 9-to-5. Time outside of work allowed our group to experience the culture, history, and everyday rhythm of life on the Amalfi Coast. Visits to places like Castello di Arechi and the Duomo di Salerno gave them a real sense of the region’s heritage, and a few scoops of gelato helped with the heat.

Through all of this, one thing stood out. Teamwork. Being away from home, in a new environment, brought the group closer together. They supported each other, pushed each other, and formed strong bonds that made the whole experience richer. As the days went on, they didn’t just grow as engineers. They grew as people.

Mark Elliott, our Head of School - Manufacturing Engineering, said; "Watching these students grow into confident young adults has been inspiring. They faced challenges with grit, embraced a new culture wholeheartedly, and gave their all to every task. Their commitment, professionalism, and growth made them stand out. They’ve not only made us proud, they’ve proven they’re ready to take on the world."

Their attitude didn’t go unnoticed. The placement providers in Salerno were full of praise for how committed and professional our students were throughout. They weren’t just willing to learn – they were eager to contribute.

Mr Granozio of SG Informatica S.r.l. said, “The students carried out all the work-related activities as requested and developed a solid understanding of civil electrical installations. They were very polite and punctual in completing the tasks assigned to them. They were attentive, eager to learn, and became truly passionate about the work. They consistently arrived on time on the agreed working days and began to operate professionally with care and dedication.”

Trips like this are exactly what the Turing Scheme is about: opening doors, building confidence and transforming lives. And we’re proud to play our part in that, and we just want to say well done to everyone involved. You did yourselves and the College proud.

#TransformingLives #TuringScheme #FlagITHCFE #Salerno2025