The direct objective of the project was to provide a range of unique vocational placements for learners to gain practical, structured and validated training as well as the opportunity to experience another country and culture. The key educational aim was to support the learners to develop a broad range of competences, capabilities and skills in the areas of leadership, teamwork and youth training. The indirect objective was to ensure that the learners who took part increased their employability, with a broader understanding of their own professional area and other cultures. We aimed to provide learners with appropriate opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge for their personal development and employability. The feedback from past mobility experiences backs up this objective, where learners cite their overseas experiences as a pivotal moment in their lives and careers. The mobility and life experiences this project offers have a greater value than local training, and those experiences are not available in the UK. The added value of the EU aspect of the project might be just as valuable as the work and learning aspects of the project, and the benefits on the individuals taking part are as much cultural as educational.
LMC has a well-established strategic approach to international activity, this project aimed to provide a continuation of our longstanding international mobility offer that compliments our core educational provision. The opportunity for a selection of our learners to undertake unique, fully-funded work experience placements abroad is a key part of our efforts to provide a broader and more valuable learning experience, as well as boosting participants technical competences. Our main motive for carrying out this project was to focus on the development opportunities, both personal and professional, for the learners involved and to link specific vocational skills and requirements for every participant. The core skill focus was leadership and teamwork with participating learners representing either Sports or Public Service courses. LMC has worked in an international context for over 20 years and we are extremely proud of our international experience and expertise. We have worked hard to build a partner network of educational institutions, companies and NGOs in the majority of the EU countries. As a result of the UK leaving the EU, these relationships have taken on an even greater significance as we move into a post-Erasmus+ reality.