Government Ministers visit NCC and hear how international study trips can transform students’ lives

New City College Hackney welcomed two senior Government ministers this week as students told them how international study opportunities have enriched their learning and boosted their future ambitions.

The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office, visited the campus alongside Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith, to meet students studying Sport, Hospitality and Beauty Therapy and to hear first-hand how overseas learning experiences have benefited their studies.

It was the second time in three days that Baroness Smith had been on an NCC campus – earlier in the week she met students and staff at Rainham Construction and Engineering campus, where she was impressed with the quality of construction skills training that was taking place.

The Hackney visit took on added significance later the same day, when Nick Thomas-Symonds referenced New City College in the House of Commons while announcing that the UK had successfully agreed terms to join the Erasmus+ programme in 2027 – highlighting NCC as an example of how international opportunities can open doors for further education students and apprentices.

During the visit, the ministers spoke with students who have taken part in international trips as part of their courses, hearing how exposure to new cultures, workplaces and training environments has helped them grow both personally and professionally.

One student described the experience as “life-changing”, explaining how it helped them develop confidence, independence and new skills that will shape their future career.

The ministers were also able to see learning in action across the campus. They visited NCC’s newly refurbished sports centre, where students demonstrated practical skills – and even persuaded the Minister to join them in playing some basketball!

The tour continued at OKN1, the college’s Hoxton Street training restaurant and chef school, where hospitality students train in a professional environment that mirrors industry standards. Beauty therapy students also shared how hands-on learning during a trip to Thailand has strengthened their professional skills.

The Erasmus+ programme supports study, training and work placements across Europe, with evidence showing that international learning can significantly improve career prospects – particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Although New City College has continued to fund overseas opportunities through the UK’s Turing Scheme in recent years, the return to Erasmus+ is expected to widen access even further, including work placements with leading European employers for students and apprentices.

Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

“Joining Erasmus+ is a huge win for our young people, breaking down barriers and widening horizons to ensure everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad. This is about more than just travel – it’s about future skills, academic success, and giving the next generation access to the best possible opportunities.”

Baroness Jacqui Smith added:

“Erasmus+ will open doors for thousands of students and staff right across the country in universities, schools, colleges and adult education. This is about giving learners the chance to build skills, confidence and international experience that employers value.”

NCC students have had the opportunity to visit places including the Netherlands, Iceland, Finland, Brazil, Dubai and Thailand on study trips funded by the Turing scheme.

With the UK joining Erasmus+, New City College students are now set to benefit from even more opportunities to broaden their horizons, gain valuable experience and build the skills they need for successful futures.