Context/background of the project This project aimed to support 28 VET specialists and practitioners working in and supporting the post-16 sector over a two year period. Partners had a shared strategic interest in, and commitment to, transnational activity, partnership and using best practice to support their own vocational/curriculum development. The participants acted as champions; to encourage and support other member colleges, independent training providers, LEPs and Awarding Organisations to develop similar strategic interest and capability. Funding was sought for three flows, two of five days duration (excluding travel) and one of three-day duration (excluding travel). The areas of study were identified as being priority areas and of benefit to the wider UK economy (Business and Management, Skills Competitions and Low Carbon and Sustainability). The need to effectively (and imaginatively) engage with and work with employers to identify and address skills needs is well documented: the Richard review of apprenticeships and the UKCES Review of Adult Vocational Qualifications in England (November 2013). Aligned to this is the recognition of the benefit of skills competition as a way of raising awareness and the benefits of VET. Competitions, whether domestic ones such as the annual Skills Show or international events (EuroSkills and WorldSkills) are a way of showcasing the abilities of young adults but lack national buy-in. The low carbon agenda and the need to provide appropriate and innovative provision to meet skills needs in this growth area is a priority as identified in Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) economic and skills plans. Number and type/profile of participants The primary objective of the project was to explore and develop an understanding of the French VET systems and how this supports wider economic and employment needs in relation to the areas of study identified above. The project eventually supported 24 participants from a wide range of organisations including; FE colleges (17), independent training providers (3), AoC Regional body (2), Awarding Organisations (1), and Local Enterprise Partnership (1). Description of undertaken activities; The first mobility in October focused on Business and Management. The mobility involved visiting several Lycées and the European Parliament. As a result of the mobility there was considerable interest for the next mobility on skills competitions. Good relationships were formed with the Lycées and several partners in the UK have now worked together to put in place an exchange mechanism for French students to be placed with East Midland employers. The second mobility focussed on Euroskills and skills competitions in general. As part of the mobility there was a meeting with the Recteur and a 5-year partnership agreement was signed with emfec to provide support to Lycées in the Alsace region and support their staff to find placements. The mobility was only for three days but enabled good relationships to be formed with the Lycées, and the FE colleges are hoping to set up future Erasmus+ exchanges under KA1. The mobility was used as background information to support the Prepare East Midlands Skills Competitions held during Apprenticeship Week 2016. The third mobility focused on low carbon and sustainability across the areas of Construction, Motor Vehicle, Engineering/Design and College Buildings. The mobility was a great success and college staff are now far more aware of the French education system and how this works on a local and regional basis. The scale and specialised nature of the work equipment in many cases was superior to those available in the UK, and the larger sites with more space were a revelation. The mobility to the European Parliament gave the participants the opportunity to see schools from around the EU debating some of the key issues about migration, security and individual rights in the main chamber. The mobility has enabled Loughborough College to identify links to Toulouse and the French space programme as this is taught at both institutions. Other participants are keen to start Erasmus+ exchanges having seen the area and the opportunities that result. Results and impact attained All of the participant enjoyed the mobility to Strasbourg. Competency 80% said that it had increased their initiative and entrepreneurship, 75% had improved interpersonal skills and 100% had increased their cultural awareness Furthermore, 88% felt that it had refreshed their attitude towards teaching and training and 75% felt that it had upgraded their knowledge of VET systems in other countries.