About the Student

Ibrahim Ait Mimoune, a former student of a Technical Institute in Bergamo and now a university student, took part in a PCTO work experience in Nottingham (United Kingdom) through Learn in a Flash, undertaking an individual journey of work, independence and personal growth abroad.

The Starting Point

The first contact with the project took place during a school Open Day in April 2023. Interest arose immediately: the desire to gain an international experience was already there, but a clear and structured pathway was missing.

Thanks to the support of his family, his English teacher, and an informative meeting with the Learn in a Flash team, the student decided to proceed independently, even after the original school group was no longer activated.

The Experience in the United Kingdom

In Nottingham, the student went to his carefully chosen School House and completed his work experience at a clothing retail store, again of his personal preference. Both choices were made carefully by considering personal values, opportunities to practise English, commuting distances, and the nature of the families and of the roles he found on offer.

From the very first days, he faced:

• full independence

• communication in English in real-life contexts

• navigating a new city

• real workplace responsibilities
   

The professional environment rewarded commitment and reliability, allowing him to gradually take on greater responsibilities.

Skills Developed

• autonomy and problem-solving

• English communication in a real working environment

• cultural adaptability

• professional responsibility

• managing challenges while living away from home

An experience that went beyond PCTO requirements, becoming a true personal growth journey.

From Return to Recognition

After returning to Italy, the student took part in the “Stories of Alternanza and Competences” Award, promoted by the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce, by submitting a video independently created to document his experience.

In November 2024, he was awarded First Prize – Technical Institutes category, standing out for the quality of the story, personal commitment, and educational value of the experiece as a whole.

Today

Today, Ibrahim Ait Mimoune is a Learn in a Flash Ambassador, with the aim of:

• sharing the PCTO experience from a student’s perspective

• supporting other students and families

• promoting a concrete, safe and high-quality work experience model
   

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