This was the institutes' third Erasmus + project. At the outset, we set out a long-term goal of internationalisation, where we would foresee presenting our students with the opportunity to avail of a work experience placement in Europe. This continues to be our foundation for our European plan. This will continue to be the provision of this international experience and, therefore, be a distinguishing feature of all of our programmes. Having considered the outcomes and results from previous projects, the institute has decided on some new goals and needs it wishes to implement going forward based on European VET strategies. 1. Continue to make our VET courses attractive and inclusive. 2. Courses based on a learning outcomes approach. 3. Easily accessible and high-quality lifelong learning experience for both staff and students. (Bruges Communiqué 2011-2020) Based on the Riga Conclusions (2015): The institute has a long term goal to: 1. Promote work-based learning. 2. Enhance access to VET courses and training. 3. Develop and enhance key competencies in VET curricula. Our final goal was to enhance and develop entrepreneurship in our services VET courses such as Beauty, Hairdressing and Sports. This is in line with the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan - re-igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe. During work placements, accompanying teachers will visit all students and during this time talk to the workplace supervisor and gain insights in starting their own business.
The background of the project was to establish a work experience programme for students who were studying vocational subjects at QQI Level 5 on the National framework of qualifications. The project focused on courses which upon completion within our Institute provided a direct pathway into employment. The sectors chosen were Hair, Beauty, Business, Engineering, IT and Sports. The 25 students in question were afforded the opportunity to gain international work experience in Spain. The primary objective was to give the chosen students work experience with the aim of making them stand out over other candidates when seeking employment in their respective sectors. This has been achieved as all students may now reference the experience gained on their C.Vs when seeking employment. Additionally, in a local context, there are often limited opportunities for our students to gain vocational relevant experience particularly in relation to Engineering and ICT. By integrating international work experience into these curricula, local and regional employers will benefit from our students having gained international work experiences. Gaining international work experience and its associated accreditation will also complement the suite of qualifications our students will earn while studying with us and afford them the greatest opportunity to fulfil their potential whilst on their programme of study.