The project’s background is a needs analysis exercise, regarding international co-operation, conducted by Praxis Europe staff in early 2014 among European youth organisations (we did it to inform our strategic development plan). All of our partners that we interviewed indicated a strong need to learn from more experienced partners, to develop competences and capacity. New realities of Erasmus+ (only launched back then) resulted in a great need for more skills and expertise in international youth work. Praxis Europe, as one of the first UK organisations to implement Erasmus+ Youth projects was in an ideal position to organise this course. Course objectives were: to foster youth workers’ competences in facilitation international youth projects, to reflect on and share good practice in international youth work, to raise awareness of the Council of Europe’s Portfolio for Youth Workers and Youth Leaders, to promote the use of innovative digital technologies and ICT tools in youth work and to strengthen partnerships among partner organisations and Praxis Europe. We are pleased to confirm the course addressed and to a large extent fulfilled all five objectives (see below for detailed evidence). The project involved 37 of participants - a mixed group of people with different kinds of experience levels in youth work, different cultural backgrounds and experiences. We prioritised applicants at early stages of their youth work careers, so most participants had up to three years of professional experience in youth work. Description of activities The main activity was an 8-day training course. It focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of European youth work, including: teamwork in multicultural groups, facilitation of international youth encounters, understanding the ‘European dimension’ in youth projects, fostering active participation of young people, understanding the Erasmus+ Programme Priorities and Objectives, achieving inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, using Non-Formal Education methods, fostering intercultural learning, Health and Safety issues, monitoring, Evaluating and Reporting in Erasmus+, Developing of project proposals. The training course is built on non-formal educational methods including thematic inputs from trainers, energizers, ice-breakers, simulations, information sessions, workshops and small group activities. Active participation and contribution of participants was ensured by using interactive ways of presenting information and knowledge about specific topics related to organising European youth work projects. We are also very happy that we managed to invite Marcus Vrecer, a renowned SALTO trainer (https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toy/marcus-vrecer.2967/) to be our main expert and lead trainer. The project’s main result is the increased participant motivation and competences to organise new international youth work projects, notably within Erasmus+ (confirmed by numerous projects developed during the course itself), strengthened partnerships and new initiatives developed by partner organisations (evidenced by increased number of applications submitted jointly in February 2016 deadline). Long-term impact is assured by the latter, leading to new Erasmus+ projects and more involvement of partner organisations in international youth work. Additional outcomes/programme elements – as requested by participants: - As participants wanted to see an example of local youth work provision, we arranged a tour of the Light House Young people’s centre – designed by young people for young people. Had a presentation by a young leader who was part of the design process and he explained how it then empowered him to get into youth work and become a voice/role model for young people. A full tour was provided of the centre, which is based in an area called Lozells, which suffers from multiple deprivation including one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the UK. - As participants were interested in our venue, we arranged a tour of South & City College Birmingham Construction Centre and Motor Mechanics division. The tour showcased how most of the young people gained vital practical skills and then become young leaders and became self-employed. - As participants wanted to know more about our local work, a tour of Praxis Europe offices was given and participants learned more about the work of PE and ow it affects young people’s lives and also got the opportunity to meet some young volunteers who are being trained up as young leaders. - As participants wanted to know more about the local council and its activities for youth, a tour of the Lord Mayors parlour was arranged at the grand Council House, followed by a tour of the Council Chambers. Two local councillors did a presentation around Birmingham and its rich diversity and the challenges young people face in Birmingham. (Councillor Thomson and Councillor Zaffar)