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Structured Training and European Mobility2
Start date: Jun 1, 2016, End date: May 31, 2018 PROJECT  FINISHED 

This project will enable students from across the wide ranging curriculum offer of Lancaster & Morecambe College to undertake structured two or three week placements overseas with established vocational training centres and host organisations in Europe. Work experience is a vital part of the personal and professional development of all students at Lancaster and Morecambe College and every effort is made to validate and match that experience with the students' course of study. Backed up by ET 2020 “An EU average of at least 6 % of 18-34 year-olds with an initial vocational education and training qualification should havehad an IVET-related study or training period abroad. As well as preparing the student for their next steps into the world of meaningful employment, it is also expected that this opportunity will give them cultural insight and a personal experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The project is a balance of past mobility projects that have run for several years with the inclusion newer destinations and vocational areas to maximise the impact on the whole organisation and benefit a wider range of learners. In this application a substantial but manageable number of learners will be able to improve their employability prospects and broaden their horizons with a structured placement in one of the following countries:Level 2/3/4 - Sports & Public Services students in Slovakia and BulgariaLevel 2/3/4 - Leaders and Coaches in the NetherlandsLevel 2/3/4 - Catering, Hospitality & Tourism, Business and IT students in ItalyLevel 3/4 - Animal Care & Horticulture in PolandLevel 3/4 - Health, Social Care and Childcare students in ItalyThe outgoing numbers are aligned with past project applications to ensure realistic quality and consistency for all participants. The competition for places is high, with all students having to meet strict selection criteria to be considered. The faculties represented deliberately start with smaller and manageable numbers to ensure safety and quality, and only then can consider increasing the number of outgoing placements. The placements are negotiated and developed between the International Team, LMC teachers and host organisations and cited in a new leaner/partner agreement. This is a continual quality process to help refine activities for future students and improve the project. The emphasis is on a working placement but in all instances there are opportunities for student training and linguistic preparation for particular vocational fields.Mobilities are normally two or three weeks, balancing the optimum time/absence balance and based on staff and student feedback over recent mobility projects. Mobility dates are agreed well in advance of the activity and shared with students, usually after the first term. This itself we have found to serve as a motivating force for learners. Therefore, the impact on the students is positive even before any mobility preparations have taken place. In all projects a timetable of activities is developed by the key staff and the hosts who manage the training. This ensures a realistic and manageable project with all expectations and requirements clearly laid out. This design of the programme is often adapted for specific needs of participants with specific skill sets and goals. For example, in summer 2014/15 LMC Sports and Public Service students demonstrated their skills in advance for the host organisations in both Slovakia and Bulgaria. This allowed the hosts to programme activities on their side, based on the skills of the outgoing students. Accompanying people will remain with the participants for the entire duration of the placement only if the students are under 18 years old. All but two of the projects involves the students staying abroad without staff and therefore getting the best independent life experience. LMC attracts a lot of students from deprived areas and its typical student profile is one of very little exposure to different cultures and little or no experience of travelling away from the region. This project will provide a tremendous opportunity for broadening their horizons and developing an appreciation of European Citizenship as well as introducing new employment opportunities. In recent years the impact on students has been immense. Participants reports have stated, "this exchange is the best thing I have ever done" and "from this experience I have gained a much wider outlook on life"http://www.lmc.ac.uk/the-college/european-learning/european-student-work-experience-projectsAfter each visit the students feedback their experience to the European Committee at LMC. This is when the real feelings and benefits are shared with the wider college. LMC OFSTED and QAA reports have cited international mobility experiences as improving and contributing to students' employability and prospects and therefore a massive impact on the organisation as well as the participants.

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