This project hoped to meet the following objectives as outlined in our application: • Improve the skills/competencies of people in initial vocational training at all levels • Promote lifelong learning and encourage the European dimension of lifelong learning through transnational cooperation • Expand learning opportunities for those in disadvantaged areas and unemployment blackspot areas • Expand and strengthen the European dimension in LCFE through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and employers in another EU country. • Promote enhanced European cooperation in vocational education and training by strengthening and expanding links with partner institutions and employers in another EU country • Improve knowledge and skills of learners allowing learners the opportunity of learning through work in another EU work environment. Learners will experience how their vocational area operates in a foreign work environment. • Allow learners to live abroad independently which will help learners to improve their level of confidence and level of self esteem • Open up new prospects for employment for learners • Improve language skills for participants, thus increasing job opportunities
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is the state education and training authority for the Limerick and Clare region. It delivers educational services to over 34,000 learners across the region each year. Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) is one of the leading Further Education providers in Limerick City. LCFE applied for this project to obtain the opportunity to share practice with partners to improve the quality and practice of learning, teaching and research as well as the development of policy within LCFE. The organisation hoped that expanding the European dimension within LCFE would impact positively on the quality of the teaching and learning environment and would open up opportunities to learners which would in turn promote equality and inclusion. Participating in such a project would also allow LCFE to meet the requirements of the LCETB’s Strategy Statement 2017 – 2021 in which the organisation aims to play a leading role in transforming the lives of learners, communities and the social and economic prosperity of the region. Participation in European mobility projects and mobilities can contribute to development in all these four areas.