The aim of the MOBILITIES 2016 project is to improve the employability of 269 students by offering mobility opportunities that meet both personal and training needs, in-line with College, Scottish Government and EU Strategic objectives. All participants will be students enrolled at New College Lanarkshire engaging in initial vocational training courses up to SVQ level 2, which is equivalent to EQF level 4. The majority of participants will be resident in areas of multiple deprivation and face multiple, complex barriers such as lack of confidence, employability skills, linguistic skills and inexperience of traveling abroad. Activities will be managed by the External Funding and International Business Development Team and co-ordinated by a mobility Steering Group who will ensure consistency and equality of selection, preparation and support of participants. All participants will undertake a 2-3 week work placement in either France, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Ireland or Malta. Placements will be facilitated and supported by experienced and trusted host partner organisations who have worked in collaboration with the College for many years. As well as organisation of work placements, host partners are responsible for organisation of a holisitic package of support which includes cultural activities and linguistic training delivered whilst abroad. A range of results are anticipated as activities will make a positive and lasting impact on participants: • Improved participant employability • Improved confidence, motivation and self-esteem • Improved levels of communication • Enhanced team working skills • Enhanced cultural awareness • Additional skills and qualifications gained whilst on placement A comprehensive process of monitoring and evaluation will be undertaken by the External Funding Team, in co-operation with faculty staff and participants to ensure that key milestones are met and anticipated outcomes and results achieved.Potential long-term benefits of this project include: Increased number of participants successfully gaining employment on completion of their training programme Broken cycles of deprivation within the communities served by New College Lanarkshire Improved internationalisation of New College Lanarkshire