In July 2025, we’re excited to be collaborating once again with the Turing Scheme, this time with Level 5 Future Leaders Apprentices, Post Graduate Teaching Apprentices and Early Years Apprentices on an inspiring international learning experience in Canada. This marks our latest overseas opportunity of the year, building on previous trips to India, The Gambia, and Lisbon, and continuing our mission to support leadership development, personal growth, and global perspectives.
Throughout the trip, we’ll be sharing updates here on the blog, so check back regularly to follow along as our apprentices take on new challenges, expand their leadership skills, and explore everything Canada has to offer!
Day 1
Exploring UBC and Supporting Young Innovators
On Day 1 of our Turing Scheme adventure in Canada, our apprentices had the privilege of touring the stunning University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, guided by Professor Daan. From cutting-edge facilities to rich academic history, the tour offered a fascinating glimpse into one of Canada’s leading universities, a perfect way to get over the jet lag!
Following our tour and a discussion around our upcoming itinerary for the next couple of weeks, we had some down time to explore and familiarise ourselves with Vancouver and wow, it didn’t disappoint.
We headed to Gastown where we saw the famous whistling steam clock and familiarised ourselves with using public transport. The local people were very warm and welcoming, and our day exploring made us even more excited for what was to come.
After settling in, the apprentices had the opportunity to explore Vancouver’s sights, enjoying the sunshine on Granville Island before heading back to UBC to coach and mentor the SHAD students, hearing their pitches for improving sustainability in transportation around Canada. The apprentices listened, questioned, and gave the students valuable feedback on how to make improvements to their designs.
Day 2
Leadership with Integrity and Purpose
On Day 2, the Level 5 Future Leaders were fortunate to attend an inspiring session on leadership delivered by Dave and Darren at the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia (SCSBC). Drawing from years of experience and grounded values, Dave and Darren shared powerful insights on what it means to lead with integrity, purpose, and humility. Their message resonated deeply, encouraging apprentices to reflect on their own leadership potential and the impact they can have, both professionally and personally. It was a session that left a lasting impression and sparked meaningful conversations well beyond the classroom.
Day 3
Visiting Young Climbers Childcare Centre
Today we visited Young Climbers Childcare Centre in Surrey. The staff were extremely welcoming upon our arrival and were happy to share their setting with us. Located within the community church, they are a proud member of the $10-a-Day Childcare Program, which supports affordable childcare for all.
We were given a tour of the setting and split into smaller groups to work with different age ranges. Feelings were taught throughout the setting, with a different feeling in focus each week. We took part in collective worship that included discussions around emotions and their connections to Bible stories, along with singing and dancing to child-based religious songs.
The staff had varying levels of training, and it was encouraging to hear that more funding is becoming available, making it easier to enter the childcare profession.
Day 4
Charismatic Leadership and Cultural Discovery
Today we explored what charismatic leadership looks like with Professor Jon Evans. The apprentices were asked to work in small groups to deliver their own charismatic speeches, after learning about the key techniques involved. It was an inspiring workshop that sparked lots of discussion, all taking place in a boardroom with stunning views of the mountains in the background!
In the afternoon, we explored the cultural side of Vancouver with a trip to the botanical gardens and a treetop walk, followed by another visit to Granville Island, this time to see the whales. We were incredibly lucky that they came out to play!
Day 5
Exploring Musqueam Traditions and Early Years Practice
We began the day by visiting the Musqueam Administration Community Centre, where we were warmly welcomed by members of the community. We had the opportunity to view indigenous art and artifacts, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich history and traditions of the Musqueam people. The displays were thoughtful and inspiring, and it was an honour to be invited into their space.
Next, we made our way to the community sports field, where a summer recreation programme was in full swing for local children. It was sports day, and it was heartwarming to see healthy meals being provided as part of the service. The sense of community and care was clear in everything we saw.
In our free time, we returned to Granville Island, where we explored more indigenous art and handmade products. Many of us bought beautiful dreamcatchers and enjoyed some delicious local food and drink. We also had a scenic ride on the aqua bus along the harbour, taking in the beautiful views of Vancouver from the water.
Later, we visited an indigenous nursery setting where we learned about how the community supports and nurtures their youngest members. The staff shared how they embed cultural teachings into everyday life at the nursery. We spent time playing with the children and speaking with staff about how the setting operates day-to-day. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. The nursery had a warm, home-from-home feel, with a clear love and care for every child at its heart.
Day 6
Water Play & Exploration at Young Climbers
Today we woke up bright and early, ready for another exciting day in Vancouver. Our morning began with a warm welcome at Young Climbers Daycare, where we were introduced to the staff before heading into our designated rooms. The theme of the day was water play, perfectly suited to the sunny weather.
The children enjoyed splashing in the paddling pool, playing in water trays, and running through sprinklers. One group of children set off on a special trip to one of the teacher’s homes, where they had access to a pool, hot tub, and trampoline. We travelled with them by bus and were impressed by how confident and well-behaved the children were using public transport.
Meanwhile, the out-of-school room staff took another group of children on a day trip to a nearby splash park. They spent many joyful hours enjoying the water features before returning to the centre in time for our departure.
After placement, we split into smaller groups to continue our exploration of Vancouver. Some of us headed to Granville Island, where we browsed local markets for souvenirs and treated ourselves to ice cream on the pier. Another group visited Canada Place, where they experienced the FlyOver Canada simulator before enjoying dinner out in the city.
The final group made their way to Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. After taking the Skyride gondola to the top, they were greeted with breathtaking views across the region. At the summit, they explored the mountain trails, visited the lake, watched a bird show, and even spotted bears in a protected area. The return gondola ride offered stunning aerial views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and Downtown Vancouver, a perfect end to a full and memorable day.
Grouse Mountain is absolutely beautiful and definitely a must-see!
Leadership Workshops at SHAD
We spent the day with students from SHAD. This time, the Future Leaders delivered workshops on various aspects of leadership. The activities ranged from problem-solving and presentation skills to persuasive communication and exploring the differences between leadership and management.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and gave the Future Leaders an opportunity to reflect on all that they had learned.
Days 7 - 8
Weekend Downtime
The weekend was free for us to enjoy what Canada has to offer. Some of us spent the time hiring bikes to explore Stanley Park, others visited Whistler and Vancouver Island and we also had walks around downtown Vancouver. A busy couple of days full of discovery and culture!
Luke and Rachel's Weekend in Whistler
As part of our leisure time in Canada, we had the opportunity to spend a weekend in the stunning mountain town of Whistler. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the weekend offered us a chance to engage with both the local culture and the great outdoors.
We began by exploring Whistler Village, where we enjoyed live music performances, sampled delicious local food, and visited the vibrant farmers’ market. It was a lively, welcoming atmosphere and a great introduction to the community spirit that thrives here.
Saturday brought a real challenge as we set out to hike the Ascent Trail up Blackcomb Mountain. The trek was demanding but immensely rewarding. With perseverance, we reached the summit – a real sense of achievement – and were treated to spectacular views as we descended via the gondola.
On Sunday, we took a gentler walk to Lost Lake. To our amazement, we encountered a black bear along the way. Seeing such an incredible animal in its natural habitat was unforgettable – a moment of awe and adrenaline that will stay with us for a long time.
Overall, the weekend was a fantastic mix of cultural discovery, physical challenge, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We’re incredibly grateful to our training provider for making this opportunity possible.
Capilano Bridge & Poutine Sampling
Today we decided to visit Capilano suspension bridge. We headed to downtown Vancouver where a free shuttle service picked us up and dropped us off at the park. We were amazed by the stunning, natural beauty. We walked across the legendary suspension bridge and explored the rainforest. The tree top adventure and cliff walk was breathtaking and it was clear to see why this is one of British Columbias most popular attractions. After a busy day of exploring we headed back to Gastown and ate in a local restaurant. Here we tried Poutine which is a popular Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It was delicious !
Wildlife Spotting in Canada
During our time in Canada we were lucky enough to see a lot of wildlife!
Black squirrels were quite common on campus at the University of British Columbia, and a racoon was also spotted! We visited the Botanical Gardens at the university and saw a group of Barred owls in the trees.
In Whistler, we had the joy of seeing a black bear whilst on a trail walk to Lost Lake. We also spotted an American robin, which (like everything in North America) was supersized compared to the British robins. Whilst at the top of Blackcomb Mountain, we saw a marmot. Definitely some of the highlights of the trip!
Day 9
Cultural Activities and Vineyard Visit
We were scheduled to visit the Musqueam Centre today and tomorrow, but unfortunately, due to a bereavement within the community, these visits were rescheduled. We filled the time with cultural activities instead. During our visit to Fraser Valley Vineyard, (we got there and back on a big yellow school bus which we were all very excited about!) we explored not just the art of wine tasting but also the intricate business behind each bottle. From production planning and sustainable practices to personalised customer experiences and strategic distribution, the vineyard operated like a finely tuned machine. We learned how customer satisfaction is cultivated through curated tastings, exclusive wine club memberships, and feedback-driven innovation. Each wine we sampled -from bold Merlots to crisp Rosés – came with insights into pricing, branding, and storytelling, proving that great wine is as much a business success as it is a sensory delight. We also enjoyed the sampling!
Day 10
Grouse Grind
Climbing the Grouse Grind was nothing short of a test in resilience, both mentally and physically. Often called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the trail’s relentless incline pushed us to dig deep, one step at a time, through burning quads and heavy breaths. But with every switchback, the sense of determination grew stronger, and reaching the summit brought a wave of accomplishment like no other. The panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains made every drop of sweat worth it. As a bonus, we had the unforgettable chance to meet Grouse Mountain’s resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, a wild and humbling reminder of the beauty waiting at the top.
Day 11
Leadership, Meditation & Nature
Our time at Unbridling Your Brilliance with Linda Ann and her team offered a transformative look at leadership, one that centred on authenticity, presence and emotional intelligence. Set in a peaceful, nature-rich environment, we explored alternative leadership styles through guided reflection, experiential learning and a powerful introduction to HeartMath breathing techniques. These practices, grounded in neuroscience and heart coherence, taught us how to regulate stress and lead from a place of clarity and connection. With the help of the horses, intuitive, non-verbal feedback partners, we uncovered how leadership isn’t just about direction, but about alignment, trust and grounded confidence.
Day 12
Musqueam Centre
Our visit to the Musqueam Centre was a deeply enriching experience, guided by Laurence and John, whose warmth and knowledge brought the history of the Musqueam First Nation to life. As we toured the museum, we learned about the community’s deep connection to the land, their ancient fishing practices, oral traditions, and the resilience that has carried their culture forward for thousands of years. Every artifact and story reflected a powerful legacy, not just of survival, but of thriving identity. It was a meaningful reminder of the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and a privilege to listen, learn, and walk through this living history.
Day 13
Final Reflections
Our last day of this unforgettable trip brought us all together to watch and hear from everyone who has taken part in this experience. Each presentation was unique and filled with thoughtful reflections on all that has been learned from the last two weeks and key takeaways that will be brought home and interwoven into the next stage of the apprenticeship. Thank you, Vancouver!
