In May, 15 students from Šahy in Slovakia came to Úbeda to work as mechanics and cooks.

Some of the mechanics worked in car workshops and learned lots about repairing cars, such as how to change tyres and filters. Others worked with agricultural machinery, mainly machinery related to the olive oil harvest, which is a very important industry in Úbeda. Finally, some worked as metal welders and were able to improve their skills in this sector and learn new techniques.

The cooks worked in local restaurants in Úbeda and learned how to prepare and cook typical Spanish dishes, as well as gaining experience working in restaurants.

As well as developing their professional skills, the trainees were able to learn more about Spanish culture and traditions. They tried typical Spanish dishes at tapas night, as well as learning how to prepare and cook churros in a churros workshop. They also took part in an olive oil tasting workshop and so learnt more about the olive oil industry which is very important in Úbeda.

The trainees also had several trips to other cities in Andalusia. They first visited Cordoba, where they saw the most famous attraction in Cordoba, the Mosque-Cathedral and admired the pretty streets and patios covered in flowers. They then visited the caves in Nerja and even had a chance to go to the beach, before ending the trip in the pretty village of Frigiliana. Finally, they went to Malaga, where they explored the old town and swam in the sea, before climbing up the hill to the Gibralfaro to admire the wonderful views of the city.

We hope our trainees had a great time in Úbeda and enjoyed exploring Spain and Spanish culture, as well as learning new skills in their professions!