A group of our Construction, Electrical, and Engineering students are preparing for an unforgettable international experience as they get ready to travel to South Africa this weekend as part of the Turing Scheme.
The students will spend two weeks living and working in the African bush at Hanover Nature Reserve, taking part in the Waterberg Construction and Conservation Project – an immersive programme that combines practical construction work with conservation and environmental learning.
Located in the stunning Waterberg region – one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free wilderness areas – the project borders the UNESCO-declared Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. It provides a unique environment where students can develop practical skills while contributing to the preservation of a remarkable natural landscape.
During their time on the reserve, our students will work alongside experienced field guides and conservation staff, supporting a wide range of activities including infrastructure repairs, sustainable construction projects, fence and road maintenance, and water system management. They will also gain insight into conservation work through bush walks, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching awareness sessions, and opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem.
For many of the students, the trip represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world environment while experiencing a completely different culture and way of life.
Mbongeni Dube, who is studying Level 2 Electrotechnical, said he is excited about the opportunity to take part in the project and work alongside his fellow students in such a unique setting.
“I’m really excited about going to South Africa for two weeks. It will be a great opportunity to spend time with the friends and colleagues I’ve made over the past year, while also gaining valuable work experience. The trip is based in a nature reserve, so we’ll be working on different projects while also supporting conservation work. It’s going to be a great chance to bond as a team and experience something completely different.”
As part of the programme, construction students will be involved in practical tasks such as building repairs, fence maintenance and developing new facilities, while electrical students will support lighting installations and electrical work as the reserve continues to expand.
For Mbongeni, the experience is also a chance to apply the skills he has been developing at college in a new and exciting environment.
“It’s very similar to the type of work we’ve been practising at college, so it will be a great opportunity to apply our skills in a real-world environment. We’ll also have the chance to visit local communities and spend time learning about animal conservation and seeing wildlife like rhinos. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
The trip is also particularly meaningful for Mbongeni, whose family has roots in South Africa.
“My mum is originally from South Africa, although not from the area we’ll be visiting. I’ve been to places like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria before, but never to the Waterberg region, so it will be something completely new for me.”
Another student joining the trip is Brandon Cody, who is currently studying Level 2 Site Joinery. He said the opportunity to work abroad and develop new skills was something he didn’t want to miss.
“I’m really excited about going to South Africa. It’s going to be a completely new experience and I’m looking forward to it a lot. As soon as I heard about the trip, I put my name down straight away. It felt like an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.”
During the two-week programme, Brandon and his fellow students will take part in hands-on construction activities including demolishing and rebuilding fencing, helping to improve infrastructure within the reserve.
“We’ve been given an outline of the work we’ll be doing over the two weeks. We’ll be involved in demolishing old fences and building new ones, which is practical experience that links directly to our course. It’s a great opportunity to work abroad, experience a new country, and continue learning my trade.
“Of course, the weather is a bonus,” Brandon added. “But more importantly, I’m looking forward to learning new skills. Different people have different ways of doing things, and I’m hoping to pick up tips and techniques that I don’t get to see here at college.”
Experiences like this play an important role in helping our students develop confidence, broaden their horizons, and gain valuable international experience that will support their future careers.
As the group prepares to depart, excitement is building for what promises to be a life-changing experience – giving students the chance to develop practical skills, build lasting memories and play a small part in conservation work in one of South Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.
To learn more about the international trips and educational visits enjoyed by our students in recent years, visit our Student Trips and Educational Visits page.
